Hepatitis D Virus, RNA, PSR Test

The Hepatitis D RNA test used to confirm the presence of the virus that causes Hepatitis D, in the serum or blood plasma. This test is performed on a sample of blood taken from the patient during the test, to measure the level of Hepatitis RNA in the sample.

Hepatitis D is caused by the presence of a small circular incomplete RNA virus, that can propagate and replicate only when accompanied by the hepatitis B virus envelope proteins. The transmission of this virus can occur either via simultaneous infection along with the hepatitis B virus or can be superimposed on the chronic hepatitis B infection.

The contraction of this Hepatitis D virus can increase the probability of either experiencing liver failure in acute infections or develops an increased chance of liver cancer. Hence this test is carried out not only to detect the virus, but also during and after receiving treatment for it.

Though the procedure of the test does not require any special preparation, it is always a good idea to inform the doctor of any ongoing medication, allergies or the relevant past medical conditions, so that the doctor can give specific instructions to avoid any complications. There are no dietary restrictions to be followed prior to the test, but if the blood sample is to be used for further tests it is recommended that a fast should be observed for a few hours before the test.

This polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) is used to confirm quantitatively the presence of the enveloped RNA virus that caused the Hepatitis D disease. The results are either positive or negative based on the presence or absence of the virus in the blood sample.

The quantitative tests performed at the beginning or during the course of the treatment helps in deciding the degree of severity of the spread of the virus and decides the further course of action for the treatment. It also helps to categorise the hepatitis D disease as either a persistent chronic hepatitis B virus infection or a coinfection of the hepatitis B and D virus together.

For this test, first 2-3 millimeters of blood sample is extracted from a vein in the arm using a hypodermic needle. When a suitable vein is identified, the area intended for the puncture to procure blood is cleansed in a circular motion.

Then the patient’s arm is grasped tightly to draw the skin taut and anchor the vein. The needle forming a 15-30 degrees angle with the surface of the skin, is swiftly inserted through the skin into the lumen of the vein to draw blood. This sample is then used for the extraction of the nucleic acid, to detect the presence of the RNA virus.