Description:

There are several types of hepatitis – each caused by a different hepatitis virus. Viral hepatitis can be contracted through unprotected sex, using contaminated needles, or other causes.

You should be tested for Hepatitis B if you have symptoms of an infection or have been exposed to the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). If you have chronic liver disease, you should also be tested. You may want to consider the Hepatitis Panel, which tests for a variety of the most common variations of hepatitis.

Common Variations of Hepatitis:

• Hepatitis A can be caused by consuming contaminated water or food.
• Hepatitis B can be contracted through sharing contaminated needles, having unprotected sex, or being exposed to infected blood from another person.
• Hepatitis C can be spread by blood from contaminated needles during drug use or tattooing as well as by having unprotected sex.

Why Do I Need It?:

If left untreated, hepatitis can lead to fatigue or more serious issues like liver failure. What’s most disturbing is how the hepatitis virus can remain dormant in your body for years and cause no outward physical symptoms. In fact, Hepatitis B can have an incubation period of 1 to 6 months after exposure, so if you test negative today, you may want to consider retesting again at a later date (depending on the date of the exposure.)

Other Relevant Tests:

Customers typically purchase the Hepatitis Panel instead of just the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen because it tests for 3 variations of the hepatitis, not just one. Tests that go along with the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test include the Hepatic Panel and the Basic Check-Up.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

A negative result may indicate that you have never been exposed to Hepatitis B or you have recovered from an acute Hepatitis B infection. A positive result indicates that you have an active Hepatitis B infection.

High Results Indicate:

There are no high results for this test. Test result will show a negative or positive.

Low Results Indicate:

There are no low results for this test. Test result will show a negative or positive.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

If your test results are positive, you should see your primary care physician.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)