What is Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load (HBV)?
The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load test is recommended in case of signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis such as loss of appetite, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Why is Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load performed?
The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, test is performed:

For the management of patients with persistent or chronic hepatitis B infection and presently on antiviral treatment

For the diagnosis of hepatitis B for baseline values and in the course of treatment observe patients' response.

What does Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load Measure?
The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load test measures the definite quantity of hepatitis B existing in a blood sample. This test assists in ascertaining if the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is reproduced in the liver. If the HBV viral load is higher than 20,000 international units per millilitre (IU/mL) in an individual with detectable Hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) then it shows that the virus is lively and has the best possible cause of harm to the liver. Similarly, if the HBV viral load is higher than 2,000 IU/mL in HBeAg-negative persistent or chronic hepatitis B patients then it shows that the virus is lively and has the best possible cause of harm to the liver. If the HBV viral load is above these numbers, treatment is considered paramount.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q. How can Hepatitis B virus be transmitted?
Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load (HBV) is a member of the Hepadnavirus family. It is transmitted notably by body fluids, particularly serum. It can also be transmitted through sexual transmission or from mother to baby. The majority of the infected individuals recover completely. Whereas, around 1-2% have continual viral replication leading to persistent or chronic hepatitis. The frequency of creating a continual HBV infection in immunocompromised patients is around 5-10% while in neonates it reaches 80%.

Q. Why is it essential to measure Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load at the point of the cure of HBV infection?
HBV DNA is measured to test if the drug is working to decrease the body’s viral load. Antiviral medicines work by altering the DNA of the virus so that it cannot reproduce effectively. Doctors measure the viral load to be sure that the antiviral is working.

Q. Why is measuring viral load necessary in case of pregnancy?
The pregnant ladies are examined for hepatitis B, along with the measurement of viral load. Pregnant ladies with high viral loads—beyond 200,000 IU/mL—are advised to take antiviral treatment for the duration of their 1/3 trimester of being pregnant according to medical guidelines. This is performed to limit the chance of infecting their newborns. Babies born to HBV-infected ladies can also be infected even if they are immunized at delivery and treated with HBIG (hepatitis B antibodies) if their mothers have excessive viral loads.

Q. How is the blood sample taken?
The healthcare issuer takes a blood sample from the arm. The place from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then accompanied by inserting a small needle which has a tube joined to it for gathering blood. Once enough blood gathered is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The place is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. Is there any risk related to the withdrawal of the blood sample procedure?
As such there is no risk or danger but, in a few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the pierce point can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is collected.