Question 1

What is Severe Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

Severe Hepatitis B infection is a life-threatening viral liver disease that causes significant liver damage and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which actively replicates in liver cells, destroying them and triggering inflammation. The Hepatitis Be Antigen test is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures viral replication activity and indicates infection severity.

Question 2

What causes Severe Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

Severe Hepatitis B infection is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which infects liver cells and replicates rapidly, leading to extensive liver damage. The virus spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids, often through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during childbirth. When the immune system cannot control the viral replication, the infection becomes severe, causing inflammation, scarring, and potentially life-threatening complications like cirrhosis and liver failure.

Question 3

What is the best test for Severe Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis Be Antigen (HBeAg) test is the most important test for Severe Hepatitis B infection because it directly measures active viral replication and indicates how contagious and severe the infection is. High levels of HBeAg mean the virus is multiplying rapidly in your liver, which signals a severe infection that needs immediate treatment to prevent permanent liver damage. This test helps doctors determine treatment urgency and monitor whether antiviral therapy is working to suppress the virus and protect your liver from cirrhosis and cancer.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Severe Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms like extreme fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or persistent nausea and vomiting. Testing is also critical if you have been exposed to Hepatitis B through unprotected sex with an infected partner, shared needles, or accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings. Anyone already diagnosed with Hepatitis B who notices worsening symptoms or has risk factors for severe disease should get tested immediately to assess infection severity and prevent life-threatening complications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Severe Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Severe Hepatitis B infection include extreme fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), dark brown urine, pale stools, and severe abdominal pain particularly in the upper right side where the liver is located. You might also experience persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, joint pain, and fever. In advanced cases, severe infection can cause confusion, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), easy bruising or bleeding, and swelling in the legs, which are signs of liver failure requiring immediate medical attention.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Severe Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include those who engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners or with someone infected with Hepatitis B, injection drug users who share needles, healthcare workers exposed to blood, and babies born to infected mothers. Individuals living in or traveling to regions where Hepatitis B is common (parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands) face increased risk. People with weakened immune systems from HIV, cancer treatment, or immunosuppressive medications are more likely to develop severe infection because their bodies cannot fight the virus effectively.

Question 7

What happens if Severe Hepatitis B infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Severe Hepatitis B infection leads to progressive liver damage, with the virus continuing to destroy liver cells and causing permanent scarring called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis severely impairs liver function and can progress to complete liver failure, which is fatal without a liver transplant. Chronic severe infection also dramatically increases your risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), which is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Without treatment, severe Hepatitis B can cause death from liver failure, internal bleeding, or cancer within months to years.

Question 8

Can Severe Hepatitis B infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Severe Hepatitis B infection is diagnosed primarily through blood tests that detect viral markers and assess liver function. The Hepatitis Be Antigen (HBeAg) test is essential for identifying severe infection because it measures active viral replication, while other blood tests check for antibodies, viral DNA levels, and liver enzymes that indicate liver damage. Blood tests are the gold standard for diagnosis because they provide specific information about infection severity, viral activity, and liver health that cannot be obtained through symptoms or physical examination alone.

Question 9

How is Severe Hepatitis B infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Severe Hepatitis B infection is treated with antiviral medications such as entecavir, tenofovir, or pegylated interferon, which suppress viral replication and reduce liver damage. Treatment aims to lower viral load, prevent cirrhosis and liver cancer, and improve liver function and survival. Patients require regular monitoring with blood tests to assess treatment effectiveness and adjust medications as needed. In cases of advanced liver failure, a liver transplant may be the only life-saving option, though antiviral therapy is continued after transplant to prevent reinfection of the new liver.

Question 10

How can I prevent Severe Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Hepatitis B infection and should be given to all infants and unvaccinated adults, especially those at high risk. Practice safe sex by using condoms consistently, avoid sharing needles or personal items like razors and toothbrushes that might have blood on them, and ensure proper sterilization of equipment for tattoos and piercings. Healthcare workers should follow strict safety protocols and use protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids. If you are exposed to Hepatitis B, immediate post-exposure prophylaxis with vaccine and immunoglobulin can prevent infection.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support recovery from Severe Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure Severe Hepatitis B, you can support your liver health by avoiding alcohol completely, as it accelerates liver damage, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Get adequate rest to help your body fight the infection and avoid medications that stress the liver, including acetaminophen and certain supplements, unless approved by your doctor. Stay hydrated, avoid fatty and processed foods, and never stop prescribed antiviral medications without consulting your healthcare provider, as consistent treatment is critical for preventing liver failure and complications.

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.

Severe Hepatitis B Infection Blood Test

What is Severe Hepatitis B infection?

What causes Severe Hepatitis B infection?

What is the best test for Severe Hepatitis B infection?

When should I get tested for Severe Hepatitis B infection?

References

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