Hepatitis B&C and HIV test
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection which is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a liver inflammatory infection which may be chronic for some people. Hepatitis will increase the risk of liver cancer or failure and cirrhosis (Scarring of the liver). Most adults recover fully from Hepatitis B no matter how severe the infection is. Hepatitis B turns out to be chronic for infants and children. Hepatitis is not a curable disease but it can be controlled with a certain vaccine. This infection is detected by the test called Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg). Hepatitis B surface Antigen test will look for the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the infected person's blood.
Hepatitis B Symptoms
The window period for the Hepatitis B virus to take effect is from one to four months. The symptoms could be mild to severe. The Hepatitis B symptoms are as follows
1. Change in the colour of the skin and eyes (Yellow)
2. Tiredness
3. Fatigue
4. Vomiting and Nausea
5. Loss of appetite
6. Pain in joints and abdomen
7. Fever
8. Dark Urine
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection which is caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). It is also a liver inflammatory infection. Hepatitis C could either be chronic or acute. But Hepatitis C has no vaccine to control it and it is highly contagious. So, even if you have a very little doubt about having a Hepatitis C, then don't be lackadaisical or hesitant to consult the doctor. Usually, Hepatitis C is diagnosed with some series of blood tests which will measure the amount Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The Genotype test can also be done to determine the Hepatitis C genotypes which will help to determine which type of treatment is best suited. If the infection is detected behind schedule and the liver is damaged by the HCV, then the infected person will have to take a liver function test to diagnose the blood for signs of enzymes from the liver. There is one more test to diagnose those enzymes and it is known as Liver Biopsy. This test involves cutting the very small amount of liver tissues and diagnosing for the potential abnormalities associated with Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C symptoms
The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that almost 80% of the HCV infected people never showed any symptoms until its late. Be that as it may, some people have symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
1. Jaundice
2. Pain in the joints and Abdomen
3. Fever
3. Dark Urine
4. Loss of appetite
FAQ's for 3H testing
What are the tests need to be taken for 3H testing?
Hepatitis B: HBsAg/HBcAb used for screening. Hepatitis C: either Hepatitis C IgG ELISA or Hepatitis C cAg
PCR as ELISA can have a long window period
Whether this test to be carried in the blood sample or urine sample?
Blood
What is the window period for this test to be taken?
The Window period is different for different infections and tests.
Is there any chance that the person will develop the disease in future if the result is negative and do they need to repeat the test again after some time?
Repeat if in window period and ongoing risk of acquiring infection
HIV test - PCR RNA Test
PCR RNA is one of the most recently developed HIV test. The HIV virus in the blood of the infected person will attack the RNA, unlike other viruses that attack the DNA. The HIV virus present in the blood will force and insert itself into the RNA and then it will replicate. If a person suspects HIV infection, then it is suggested to take PCR RNA HIV test a week after sexual intercourse. This HIV test will look for the infected RNA instead of antibodies and antigens. Even if the test results in negative, it is highly recommended to retake this HIV test after 28 days to rule out HIV. PCR RNA HIV test is regarded as the best test to detect HIV at a very early stage.