Question 1

What is Acute Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

Acute Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes sudden inflammation and damage to the liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is transmitted through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids from an infected person. The Hepatitis Panel Acute is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects both Hepatitis B Surface Antigen indicating active infection and Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM confirming recent acute infection.

Question 2

What causes Acute Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

Acute Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which enters your body through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. This transmission commonly occurs through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles or drug equipment, accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. The virus attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and interfering with normal liver function, which leads to the symptoms of acute hepatitis.

Question 3

What is the best test for Acute Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for Acute Hepatitis B because it detects the specific markers that confirm a recent infection. This comprehensive panel measures Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), which shows you currently have an active HBV infection, and Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM (anti-HBc IgM), which specifically indicates the infection is acute or recent rather than chronic or past. These two markers together provide definitive diagnosis and help your doctor distinguish between acute, chronic, or resolved Hepatitis B infection, which is critical for determining the right treatment approach.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Acute Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you develop symptoms like yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), extreme fatigue, nausea or vomiting, dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, or abdominal pain, especially if you have had potential exposure to the virus. Testing is also important if you have had unprotected sex with someone who has Hepatitis B, shared needles or drug equipment, received an accidental needle stick, or work in healthcare with exposure to blood. Early testing helps catch the infection while treatment options are most effective and prevents you from unknowingly spreading the virus to others.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Acute Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis B typically appear one to four months after infection and include extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain especially in the upper right side where your liver is located, dark urine that looks like cola, clay-colored or pale stools, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes). Some people, especially young children, may have no symptoms at all but can still spread the virus to others. Symptoms can range from mild illness lasting a few weeks to severe disease requiring hospitalization, and the severity often depends on your age and overall health.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Acute Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for Acute Hepatitis B include those who have unprotected sex with multiple partners or with someone infected with HBV, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and share needles or equipment, healthcare workers exposed to blood and bodily fluids, people living in the same household as someone with chronic Hepatitis B, individuals receiving dialysis treatment, and travelers to regions where Hepatitis B is common such as Asia, Africa, and parts of South America. Infants born to infected mothers and people with HIV or Hepatitis C are also at increased risk. Anyone who has not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B should consider their exposure risk and get tested if needed.

Question 7

What happens if Acute Hepatitis B is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If Acute Hepatitis B is left unmonitored or untreated, most healthy adults will clear the infection on their own within six months, but some people develop chronic Hepatitis B infection that lasts a lifetime. Chronic infection can lead to serious complications including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, liver cancer, and death. Even during the acute phase, severe cases can cause acute liver failure, which is life-threatening and may require a liver transplant. Without proper monitoring, you also risk unknowingly spreading the virus to sexual partners, household contacts, and in the case of pregnant women, to their babies during delivery. Early detection through testing allows for proper monitoring of liver function and antiviral treatment when necessary to prevent these serious complications.

Question 8

Can Acute Hepatitis B be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Acute Hepatitis B is definitively diagnosed with blood tests that detect specific viral markers and antibodies. The blood test looks for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), which appears in your blood when you have an active infection, and Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM (anti-HBc IgM), which is produced specifically during acute or recent infection. Additional blood tests may measure liver enzymes like ALT and AST to assess liver damage, and other Hepatitis B markers to determine if the infection is new, chronic, or resolved. Blood testing is the only way to accurately diagnose Hepatitis B since symptoms alone cannot distinguish it from other causes of hepatitis.

Question 9

How is Acute Hepatitis B treated?

Accepted Answer

Most cases of Acute Hepatitis B do not require specific antiviral treatment because healthy adults usually clear the infection on their own with supportive care. Treatment focuses on rest, staying well-hydrated, eating nutritious foods, avoiding alcohol and medications that can stress the liver, and managing symptoms like nausea and pain with appropriate medications. Your doctor will monitor your liver function through regular blood tests to ensure the infection is resolving. In severe cases or for people at high risk of developing chronic infection, antiviral medications like tenofovir or entecavir may be prescribed to reduce viral load and prevent liver damage. If you test positive, your doctor will also recommend testing for household and sexual contacts to prevent transmission.

Question 10

How can I prevent Acute Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

The most effective prevention for Acute Hepatitis B is vaccination, which provides long-term protection and is recommended for all infants, children, and at-risk adults. You can also prevent infection by practicing safe sex using condoms, never sharing needles or drug equipment, ensuring any tattoos or piercings are done with sterile equipment, avoiding sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes that might have blood on them, and if you work in healthcare, following proper safety protocols when handling blood and bodily fluids. If you are exposed to Hepatitis B and have not been vaccinated, post-exposure prophylaxis with Hepatitis B immune globulin and starting the vaccine series within 24 hours can prevent infection.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Acute Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can support your recovery from Acute Hepatitis B by getting plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection, drinking lots of water and clear fluids to stay hydrated, eating small frequent meals if you have nausea, choosing easy-to-digest foods, and completely avoiding alcohol which puts additional stress on your already inflamed liver. Take only medications approved by your doctor since many over-the-counter drugs are processed by the liver. You should also take precautions to protect others by not sharing personal items, practicing safe sex, and covering any cuts or wounds. Monitor your symptoms and contact your healthcare provider if you develop severe abdominal pain, confusion, extreme drowsiness, or worsening jaundice, as these may indicate serious complications requiring immediate medical attention.

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 B Blood Test

What is Acute Hepatitis B?

What causes Acute Hepatitis B?

What is the best test for Acute Hepatitis B?

When should I get tested for Acute Hepatitis B?

References

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