Hepatitis Panel - Acute Screen-III

This test panel helps diagnose and differentiate between hepatitis A, B, C, and E. The presence of certain antigens and antibodies can also provide information about the stage and severity of a hepatitis B infection. This can guide treatment and monitoring strategies.

No, fasting is not required for this test.

This test should be considered if you are experiencing symptoms of hepatitis, including fatigue, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or light-colored stools. It can also be used for people at risk of these infections, such as healthcare workers, travelers to areas with high rates of hepatitis, or those with lifestyle risks like drug use or unprotected sex.

The test detects specific antibodies and antigens in the blood that are associated with hepatitis A, B, C, and E. These antibodies and antigens are part of the body's immune response to these infections.

The frequency of testing depends on your risk factors for hepatitis and your doctor's advice. If you're at high risk, you may need regular testing.

A negative result for all the tests in the panel is considered normal, which means you don't have an active infection with these hepatitis viruses.

There are no specific precautions to be taken before the test. However, you should inform your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking.

The levels of these antigens and antibodies can be affected by whether you have an active or past infection, whether you've been vaccinated for hepatitis A or B, and your overall immune system health.

An abnormal result may require follow-up with a hepatologist or infectious disease specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

No, there's no specific preparation required before the test.

A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein, typically in your arm.

Different results can indicate a current or past infection with one or more types of hepatitis. The presence of certain antigens can also indicate a high degree of infectivity or a chronic infection.

Yes, individual tests are available for each type of hepatitis virus. However, this panel is useful when the type of infection is unknown or when more than one type of hepatitis is suspected.

A positive result means you have antibodies or antigens related to a specific type of hepatitis in your blood. This could indicate a current or past infection. Further interpretation of the results should be done by your healthcare provider.

Vaccinations are available for hepatitis A and B. Currently, there are no vaccines for hepatitis C, D, and E.

There are effective treatments for all types of viral hepatitis. For example, chronic hepatitis B is typically treated with antiviral medications to control the virus and prevent liver damage. Hepatitis C can usually be cured with antiviral medicines that are taken for 2 to 6 months. However, the treatment approach and prognosis depend on the specific type of hepatitis, the severity of the infection, and the patient's overall health status.

Yes, getting cured or treated for one type of hepatitis does not provide immunity against that type or other types. Therefore, it is possible to get re-infected or to get infected with a different type of hepatitis virus.

Common symptoms of hepatitis include fatigue, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, pale stool, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice.

Yes, it is possible to have a hepatitis infection without any specific symptoms. Many people with hepatitis do not experience symptoms until liver damage has occurred.

Yes, preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, safe sex, using clean needles, and getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B. It's also important to get regular check-ups, especially if you are at high risk for these infections.