AN OVERVIEW
About Hepatitis Panel Test
Why is the Hepatitis Panel test done?
Hepatitis is caused by a virus and affects the liver. There are a total of 5 types of hepatitis and each one is caused by a different viral strain. If left untreated, hepatitis can cause severe damage to the liver and can eventually lead to the death of the patient.
The hepatitis panel test is done to check the presence of the hepatitis virus when patients start showing symptoms of hepatitis infection. The symptoms include:
- Pruritus or itchy skin
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- Fever
- Nausea
- Constant abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- People with jaundice
- The stool is light in color
- Dark amber-colored urine
Sudden weight loss
The hepatitis panel test can also be suggested for people who have been exposed to the hepatitis virus or have immunodeficiency syndrome. People engaged in having intercourse with multiple partners without protection are also at risk.
What does the Hepatitis Panel test measure?
Hepatitis is a viral infection. Like with all infections, the immune system of the body creates antibodies that will tackle the pathogenic antigens. It is the presence of these antigens and antibodies that are measured in the hepatitis panel test.
Different types of hepatitis are caused by different strains of the hepatitis virus and the symptoms differ. The hepatitis panel test provides the following checks:
- Hepatitis A (HAV) is an acute and short-term infection.
- Hepatitis B (HBV) is a chronic condition.
- Hepatitis C (HCV) is a chronic blood borne infection.
- Hepatitis D (HDV) is a rare condition and occurs when the patient is already suffering from a hepatitis B infection.
- Hepatitis E (HEV) is an uncommon waterborne viral infection.
Potential risks/side effects of the Hepatitis Panel test
The hepatitis panel test is conducted via the collection and observation of blood taken from the patient. While the infection can be spread when a person comes in contact with a used syringe, technicians who collect blood ensure that the syringe and needle used are always clean and sterile. When blood is drawn, a patient might feel light-headed or see slight bruising around the area of the puncture, but these are mild side effects and rest can cure them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
What medications can affect the test results?
Is hepatitis always contracted via direct contact with an infected person?
Being a viral infection, it is not always necessary for hepatitis to be spread via direct contact with a person. Hepatitis can be caused by excessive consumption of alcohol leading to the inflammation of the liver. Misuse of medications can also cause damage to the liver leading to hepatitis.
Can STD lead to hepatitis?
Sometimes, sexually trasmitte diseases can lead to hepatitis being developed or flare up in the body.
What medications can affect the test results?
Medications like acetaminophen or anabolic steroids can cause a positive result even when the person is not suffering from hepatitis. Other than medication, some viral fevers have symptoms similar to hepatits. To confirm the same, panel tests are done.
Tests/Parameters included
A total of 10 hepatitis tests are conducted for the hepatitis panel test. Apart from the hepatitis panel test, other tests to check the organ functioning and progress of the disease are essential. This affects the hepatitis profile test cost.
The hepatitis panel tests include:
- Anti Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen (total)
- Anti Hepatitis C virus (total)
- Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen
- Anti Hepatitis A Virus (IgM)
- Anti Hepatitis A Virus (total)
- Anti Hepatitis B Core Antigen (IgM)
- Anti Hepatitis B Core Antigen (total)
- Anti Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (total)
- Anti Hepatitis E virus (IgM)
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
Apart from the panel tests, doctors may also request for:
- Diabetes screening
- Complete Hemogram
- Liver profile (liver function test)
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the Hepatitis Panel test results
The hepatitis panel test can either yield a negative result or a positive one. The presence of antibodies and antigens help determine the type of hepatitis virus the person is infected with and helps doctors begin treatment. When a positive result is found:
- The presence of IgM anti-HAV antibodies indicates an acute or newly acquired infection.
- The presence of B surface antigens can indicate acute or chronic hepatitis.
- The presence of C antibodies can indicate both past or present infection. To confirm if the infection is current, a hepatitis C RNA test is prescribed.
- The presence of IgM hepatitis B core antibodies means that either an acute infection of hepatitis B has infected the person or a chronic variant has flared up.
| PRESENCE OF ANTIBODIES/ANTIGENS | INDICATION |
| IgM anti-HAV antibodies | Newly acquired infection |
| B surface antigens | Acute/Chronic Hepatitis |
| C antibodies | Past or present infection |
| IgM Hepatitis B core antibodies | Acute/Chronic Hepatitis B |
Hepatitis Panel Test In Chandigarh
The hepatitis panel test in Chandigarh is requested by doctors as part of detecting viral hepatitis in a person or to diagnose the already existing virus within the patient. People who have been in areas that have high hepatitis contamination chances or people with multiple sexual partners are also requested to opt for the hepatitis panel test. The panel test consists of many identification tests and doctors can either suggest the whole panel or mention the ones to check and this affects the hepatitis panel test cost.
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