Question 1

What is Acute Hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Acute hepatitis is rapid inflammation of the liver that develops suddenly and can cause serious health complications. It is caused by viral infections including Hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Hepatitis D virus (HDV), and Hepatitis E virus (HEV), as well as toxins, medications, and autoimmune reactions. The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies the specific virus causing the infection and confirms active disease.

Question 2

What causes acute hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Acute hepatitis is caused by viral infections, with Hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) being the most common culprits. These viruses attack liver cells directly, triggering rapid inflammation and immune system activation. Other causes include Hepatitis D and E viruses, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications like acetaminophen in high doses, toxins, and autoimmune conditions where your body mistakenly attacks its own liver tissue.

Question 3

What is the best test for acute hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for acute hepatitis because it detects antibodies and antigens for Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses in a single comprehensive panel. This test identifies which specific virus is causing your infection and confirms whether the infection is active, allowing your doctor to determine the appropriate treatment. The Ceruloplasmin test serves as a valuable supporting test because ceruloplasmin levels rise during liver inflammation, providing additional confirmation of active hepatitis and helping assess the severity of your liver's inflammatory response.

Question 4

When should I get tested for acute hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, extreme fatigue, persistent nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain especially in the upper right side, or loss of appetite lasting more than a few days. Testing is also important if you have been exposed to someone with hepatitis, traveled to areas with high hepatitis rates, received a blood transfusion before 1992, or engaged in activities that increase hepatitis risk such as sharing needles or having unprotected sex with multiple partners.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Acute hepatitis symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), dark amber-colored urine, pale or clay-colored stools, and severe fatigue that interferes with daily activities. You might notice loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain or tenderness in the upper right side where your liver is located, joint pain, and itchy skin. Some people experience flu-like symptoms in the early stages, while others have no symptoms at all initially, which is why testing is crucial if you have been exposed to hepatitis viruses.

Question 6

Who is at risk for acute hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for acute hepatitis include healthcare workers exposed to blood, individuals who share needles or drug paraphernalia, those with multiple sexual partners or who have unprotected sex, people living with or caring for someone with hepatitis, and international travelers to countries with high hepatitis rates. Additional risk factors include receiving tattoos or piercings with unsterilized equipment, undergoing hemodialysis, receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before proper screening protocols existed, babies born to mothers with hepatitis, and people with compromised immune systems.

Question 7

What happens if acute hepatitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated acute hepatitis can progress to chronic hepatitis in cases of Hepatitis B and C, leading to permanent liver damage over time. Your liver can develop cirrhosis (severe scarring), which impairs its ability to function properly and can lead to liver failure requiring a transplant. Chronic hepatitis significantly increases your risk of developing liver cancer. Even in cases that resolve on their own, severe acute hepatitis can cause fulminant hepatic failure, a life-threatening condition where the liver suddenly stops working, requiring emergency medical intervention.

Question 8

Can acute hepatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, acute hepatitis is primarily diagnosed through blood tests that detect viral antibodies, antigens, and liver enzymes. The Hepatitis Panel Acute identifies which specific hepatitis virus is present by detecting immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies that appear during active infection, along with viral antigens like hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Blood tests also measure liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which become elevated when liver cells are damaged, and bilirubin levels that cause jaundice when elevated.

Question 9

How is acute hepatitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for acute hepatitis depends on the specific virus and severity of your condition. Hepatitis A typically resolves on its own with rest, adequate hydration, nutritious food, and avoidance of alcohol and medications that stress the liver. Acute Hepatitis B is usually managed supportively, though antiviral medications may be prescribed in severe cases or for chronic infection. Hepatitis C may require direct-acting antiviral medications to prevent progression to chronic disease. Your doctor will monitor your liver function regularly and may hospitalize you if complications develop or liver failure is imminent.

Question 10

How can I prevent acute hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Prevent acute hepatitis by getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, as effective vaccines exist for these viruses. Practice good hygiene including thorough handwashing after using the bathroom and before preparing food, avoid sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes, use condoms during sexual activity, and never share needles or drug equipment. When traveling internationally, drink bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food in areas with poor sanitation. Healthcare workers should follow strict safety protocols when handling blood or bodily fluids, and ensure any tattoos or piercings are done with sterile, single-use equipment.

Question 11

What can I do at home for acute hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

At home, prioritize complete rest to allow your body to fight the infection and heal your liver. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and clear broths to help flush toxins from your system. Eat small, frequent meals focusing on easily digestible foods like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while completely avoiding alcohol and limiting fatty or processed foods that burden your liver. Take only medications approved by your doctor, as many over-the-counter drugs including acetaminophen can worsen liver damage. Milk thistle supplements may provide liver support, though you should consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

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.

Acute Hepatitis Blood Test

What is Acute Hepatitis?

What causes acute hepatitis?

What is the best test for acute hepatitis?

When should I get tested for acute hepatitis?

References

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