HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) Viral Load - Quantitiative
Understanding HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) Viral Load - Quantitiative
What is HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) Viral Load - Quantitiative?
Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative test asseses the level of viral infection in the body. It measures the amount of viral DNA in the blood during the infection. Generally, this test is recommended to check the efficacy of hepatitis B treatment. Hepatitis B virus spreads mainly through body fluids or unsafe sexual intercourse.
Mostly the symptoms of infection fade on their own after 4-8 weeks. However, in some cases, uncontrolled levels of HepB viral load can lead to chronic hepatitis infection and liver cirrhosis.
What is HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) Viral Load - Quantitiative used for?
The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative test is done:
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For the management of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection and currently on antiviral therapy
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For the diagnosis of hepatitis B for baseline values and during the course of therapy to assess the response of treatment.
Interpreting HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) Viral Load - Quantitiative results
Interpretations
RESULT in IU/mL |
REMARKS |
Target not detected |
Sample provided does not contain HBV DNA |
<20 |
HBV DNA detected, but below the lower limit of linear range of the assay. These results should be interpreted with caution |
>=20 to < 1.7 x 108 |
HBV DNA detected within the linear range of the assay |
>=1.7 x 108 |
HBV DNA detected above the linear range of the assay |
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Linear reporting range of the assay is 20 - 1.7 x 108 IU/mL
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Conversion factor: 1 IU/mL = 5.82 copies / mL
Results are categorized into 3 levels
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Low or undetectable viral load means that the lab equipment cannot detect it and viral load is less than approximately 300 copies/mL
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Moderate levels are about 10,000 – 90,000 copies/mL
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High levels indicate quantities over 100,000 copies/mL, which is considered clinically significant