Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is one of several various causes of hepatitis, a condition characteriszed by inflammation and enlargement of the liver. Other causes of hepatitis include, for example, certain drugs, inherited disorders, and autoimmune diseases. HBV is one of five “hepatitis viruses” identified so far. The other four are A, C, D, and E. The course of HBV infections…Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is one of several various causes of hepatitis, a condition characteriszed by inflammation and enlargement of the liver. Other causes of hepatitis include, for example, certain drugs, inherited disorders, and autoimmune diseases. HBV is one of five “hepatitis viruses” identified so far. The other four are A, C, D, and E. The course of HBV infections can vary from a mild form (acute) that lasts only a few weeks to a more serious, chronic, form lasting years. Sometimes chronic HBV leads to serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. HBV is spread through contact with blood or other body fluids from an infected person. Exposure can occur, for example, through sharing of needles for IV drug use or through unprotected sex. People who live in or travel to areas of the world where hepatitis B is prevalent are at a greater risk. Mothers can pass the infection to their babies, usually during or after birth. The virus, however, is not spread through food or water, casual contact such as holding hands, or coughing or sneezing. Some of the various stages or forms of hepatitis B include:Acute infection – presence of typical signs and symptoms with positive screening test Chronic infection — persistent infection with the virus detected by laboratory tests accompanied by inflammation of the liver Carrier (inactive) state — persistent infection but no liver inflammation (a carrier is someone who may appear to be in good health but harbours the virus and can potentially infect others) “Cleared” infection — no longer any evidence of infection; viral antigen and DNA tests are negative and no signs or symptoms of liver inflammation (although, in many cases, the virus is present in an inactive state in the liver) There are several different tests that can be used to detect current or previous HBV infection. Some of the tests detect antibodies produced in response to exposure to the HBV; some detect viral antigens (part of the virus itself) while others detect viral DNA. They can be used to screen for infection in the absence of symptoms, to determine whether infection is acute or chronic, or to monitor a chronic infection. How is the sample collected for testing? A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in your arm. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? No test preparation is needed. See MoreSee Less
