Question 1

What is Confirmed Hepatitis Infection?

Accepted Answer

Confirmed hepatitis infection is inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection. It is caused by one of five hepatitis viruses: hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), or hepatitis E virus (HEV). The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies which specific virus is present and confirms active infection.

Question 2

What causes confirmed hepatitis infection?

Accepted Answer

Confirmed hepatitis infection is caused by one of five hepatitis viruses: hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), or hepatitis E virus (HEV). Each virus has different transmission routes—HAV and HEV spread through contaminated food or water, while HBV, HCV, and HDV spread through blood contact, sexual transmission, or from mother to baby during birth. Once the virus enters your body, it attacks liver cells and triggers inflammation that can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to chronic liver disease or liver failure if left untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for confirmed hepatitis infection?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for confirmed hepatitis infection because it screens for all five hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E) and confirms which specific virus is causing your infection. This comprehensive panel detects viral antibodies and antigens in your blood that indicate active infection, helping your doctor determine whether you have acute or chronic hepatitis. The test identifies hepatitis A IgM antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigen and core antibodies, hepatitis C antibodies with reflex RNA testing, and markers for hepatitis D and E when indicated. Knowing the exact virus type is essential because each hepatitis virus requires different treatment approaches and has different long-term health implications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for confirmed hepatitis infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms like persistent fatigue, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain in the upper right side, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained fever. Testing is also critical if you have been exposed to someone with hepatitis, received a blood transfusion before 1992, share needles, have multiple sexual partners, traveled to areas with poor sanitation, work in healthcare, or have abnormal liver enzyme results from routine blood work. Early detection through blood testing allows for prompt treatment and helps prevent liver damage and transmission to others.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of confirmed hepatitis infection?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of confirmed hepatitis infection include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain (especially in the upper right side), dark-colored urine, pale or clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Some people experience flu-like symptoms with fever, headache, and muscle aches. However, many people with hepatitis, especially hepatitis C, have no symptoms at all in the early stages and only discover the infection through blood testing. Symptoms can appear suddenly with acute hepatitis or develop gradually over time with chronic infection.

Question 6

Who is at risk for confirmed hepatitis infection?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk include healthcare workers exposed to blood, individuals who share needles or drug equipment, people with multiple sexual partners or those who have unprotected sex, babies born to infected mothers, people who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, individuals on long-term dialysis, and travelers to countries with poor sanitation. People with tattoos or piercings done with unsterilized equipment, those who share personal items like razors or toothbrushes with infected individuals, and people living in the same household as someone with hepatitis are also at increased risk. Men who have sex with men and people with HIV infection face elevated risk for certain hepatitis types.

Question 7

What happens if confirmed hepatitis infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hepatitis infection can lead to serious complications including chronic liver inflammation, liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, and liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis B and C infections are particularly dangerous because they can silently damage your liver over decades without causing noticeable symptoms until severe complications develop. Progressive liver damage impairs your liver's ability to filter toxins, produce essential proteins, and perform other vital functions, leading to fluid accumulation in the abdomen, bleeding disorders, confusion from toxin buildup in the brain, and increased susceptibility to infections. Early diagnosis through blood testing and appropriate treatment can prevent these life-threatening complications and significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Question 8

Can confirmed hepatitis infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, confirmed hepatitis infection is definitively diagnosed with blood tests that detect viral antibodies, antigens, and genetic material (viral RNA or DNA) in your bloodstream. Blood tests can identify which specific hepatitis virus is causing your infection, determine whether the infection is acute or chronic, and assess the extent of liver damage through liver enzyme levels and liver function markers. The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is a comprehensive blood test that screens for all major hepatitis viruses and provides confirmation testing when initial results are positive. Additional blood tests may measure viral load (the amount of virus in your blood) and help monitor treatment effectiveness over time.

Question 9

How is confirmed hepatitis infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for confirmed hepatitis infection depends on the specific virus type and whether the infection is acute or chronic. Hepatitis A typically resolves on its own with rest, proper nutrition, and hydration. Acute hepatitis B may also clear without treatment, but chronic hepatitis B requires antiviral medications like tenofovir or entecavir to suppress the virus. Hepatitis C is now curable with direct-acting antiviral medications taken for 8-12 weeks, with cure rates exceeding 95%. Hepatitis D requires specialized treatment, and hepatitis E usually resolves without medication. All patients should avoid alcohol, maintain a healthy diet, and have regular monitoring of liver function through blood tests to assess treatment response and detect complications early.

Question 10

How can I prevent confirmed hepatitis infection?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent hepatitis infection through vaccination (available for hepatitis A and B), practicing safe sex by using condoms, never sharing needles or drug equipment, avoiding sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes, ensuring sterile equipment is used for tattoos and piercings, and practicing good hand hygiene especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Healthcare workers should follow proper safety protocols when handling blood or body fluids. When traveling to areas with poor sanitation, drink bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food. If you are at high risk, get tested regularly even without symptoms, as early detection allows for prompt treatment and prevents transmission to others.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support recovery from confirmed hepatitis infection?

Accepted Answer

At home, support your liver recovery by getting plenty of rest, staying well-hydrated with water and clear fluids, eating small frequent meals with easy-to-digest foods, and completely avoiding alcohol which can further damage your liver. Take prescribed medications exactly as directed and avoid unnecessary medications or supplements without consulting your doctor, as many can stress your liver. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting fatty, fried, and processed foods. Use caution with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen which can harm the liver. Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening to your healthcare provider, and practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the infection to household members.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Confirmed Hepatitis Infection Blood Test

What is Confirmed Hepatitis Infection?

What causes confirmed hepatitis infection?

What is the best test for confirmed hepatitis infection?

When should I get tested for confirmed hepatitis infection?

References

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