Hepatitis Test

Hepatitis is a medical condition where the liver gets inflamed. Generally, hepatitis is caused due to a viral infection; however, there can be other reasons as well. One such type of hepatitis is autoimmune hepatitis, wherein the immune system starts making antibodies against the liver, the other type is one caused by medications, alcohol, drugs, or toxic substances. If you suspect that you might be suffering from Hepatitis then getting a Hepatitis Test is the best way to determine and clearly diagnose your condition.

There are different types of Hepatitis Tests available; you can get tested for anyone depending upon your condition and the test your doctor recommends. A Hepatitis Test is generally a blood test that can help in diagnosing which kind of Hepatitis you might be suffering from so that correct treatment can be administered. It is essential to get tested as this is a serious illness that can have life-threatening consequences.

Some general symptoms that people who suffer from hepatitis might experience:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Fatigue
• Dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Abdominal pain

Why Hepatitis Testing is important?

The liver is a major organ of the body and performs various critical functions like:

• Bile production which aids digestion.
• Filtering toxins.
• Removing cholesterol, drugs, hormones and bilirubin.
• Breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats so that the body can use them effectively.
• Enzyme activation.

Hepatitis impacts the liver and affects these processes. There are five different types of hepatitis'; each type is caused by a specific virus. While some conditions might resolve in a few days, a few can become chronic which can damage the liver extensively and impair its function. A Hepatitis Test can check for specific hepatitis so that proper treatment can be administered.

Below are five types of Hepatitis Infections:

• Hepatitis A - Commonly transmitted through Hepatitis A Virus contaminated water or food. Getting a Hepatitis A Test done is a simple way to get a clear diagnosis. An HAV Test can help rule out other infections.
• Hepatitis B - Can be transmitted by contact with blood, semen, vaginal secretion of an infected person. You can get a Hepatitis B Test to determine if you are suffering from Hepatitis B. There are different Hepatitis B Tests available like the HBC Test or the HBsAg Test. There is also an Anti-HBs Test that can check if you are immune to Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C - It is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids like syringes or sexual contact. A Hepatitis C Test or an Anti-HCV Test can help in diagnosing Hepatitis C.
• Hepatitis D - Hepatitis D is a serious condition that is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. This disease can only exist in conjunction with Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis E - Hepatitis is transmitted through contaminated water. This disease is especially dangerous for pregnant women; hence, getting a Hepatitis E Test done can help you get proper diagnosis and treatment.

How Hepatitis Test is performed?

While each specific Hepatitis Test looks for a specific type of Hepatitis, the procedure is more or less similar. Every Hepatitis Test looks for either the presence of the virus or the antibodies generated in response.