Hepatitis Marker Screen

The Hepatitis Marker Screen is a comprehensive blood test that screens for the presence of hepatitis viruses such as Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV). It detects specific markers in the blood, such as antibodies or antigens, which indicate exposure to these viruses. Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver, leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer if left untreated. This screening test is vital for early diagnosis, especially since many individuals with hepatitis remain asymptomatic for years.

2. Purpose / Clinical Significance

• Early Detection of Hepatitis: The main purpose of the Hepatitis Marker Screen is to detect hepatitis infections early, even in individuals without symptoms.

• Chronic Hepatitis Monitoring: For people with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C, the test helps in monitoring the virus activity and liver function.

• Risk Assessment: It aids in identifying individuals who are at high risk for liver complications due to chronic hepatitis, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

• Preventive Health: In Dubai, where lifestyle-related liver diseases are on the rise, regular screening for hepatitis B and C is important to maintain liver health and ensure timely treatment.

3. Principle
The Hepatitis Marker Screen test works by detecting specific markers in the blood that indicate the presence of hepatitis viruses or the body’s immune response to them. These markers include:

• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): A protein found on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus; its presence indicates an active infection.

• Anti-Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs): A protective antibody produced by the body after vaccination or recovery from Hepatitis B.

• Hepatitis C Antibody (anti-HCV): An antibody indicating exposure to the Hepatitis C virus.

• HCV RNA (Hepatitis C Virus RNA): Direct detection of the virus, indicating an active infection.

• Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg): A protein that appears when the virus is replicating; its presence suggests high levels of infectivity.

4. Specimen Requirements

• Sample Type: A blood sample is required for the Hepatitis Marker Screen, typically drawn from a vein in the arm.

• Collection Method: Blood is drawn using a standard venipuncture procedure.

• Volume: A small blood sample (approximately 3-5 ml) is sufficient for testing.

• Preparation: No special preparation is needed for the Hepatitis Marker Screen test. However, it is always recommended to inform the healthcare provider about any current medications or previous liver conditions.

5. Common Methods

• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): A common method for detecting antibodies (anti-HBs, anti-HCV) and antigens (HBsAg, HBeAg) in the blood.

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This test detects the HCV RNA in the blood, which indicates an active Hepatitis C infection.

• Western Blot Test: This method is sometimes used to confirm the presence of Hepatitis C antibodies after an initial positive ELISA result.

• Immunoassay: Used to detect specific markers in the blood that indicate the presence of the Hepatitis virus.

6. Interpretation of Results

• Hepatitis B:

  • Positive HBsAg: Indicates active Hepatitis B infection.

  • Positive Anti-HBs: Indicates immunity to Hepatitis B, either due to vaccination or previous infection.

  • Positive HBeAg: Indicates high viral replication and increased infectivity.

  • Negative HBsAg and Anti-HBs: No exposure or immunity to Hepatitis B.

• Hepatitis C:

  • Positive Anti-HCV: Indicates exposure to the Hepatitis C virus, but further testing is required to confirm an active infection.

  • Positive HCV RNA (PCR): Indicates an active Hepatitis C infection, and further testing is required to determine the level of the virus (viral load).

  • Negative Anti-HCV: Indicates no exposure to Hepatitis C.

7. Reference Range

• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg):

  • Negative: No active infection.

  • Positive: Active Hepatitis B infection.

• Anti-Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs):

  • Negative: No immunity or previous exposure to Hepatitis B.

  • Positive: Immunity from vaccination or past infection.

• Hepatitis C Antibody (anti-HCV):

  • Negative: No exposure to Hepatitis C.

  • Positive: Past or present exposure to Hepatitis C, requires further testing (PCR).

• HCV RNA (PCR):

  • Negative: No active Hepatitis C infection.

  • Positive: Active infection with Hepatitis C.

• Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg):

  • Negative: Low level of infectivity.

  • Positive: High level of infectivity.

8. Follow-up Testing

• Liver Function Tests: If the Hepatitis Marker Screen indicates an active infection, further tests like liver function tests (LFTs) may be required to assess liver damage or inflammation.

• HCV RNA PCR: For individuals with a positive anti-HCV result, a PCR test is performed to determine the viral load and assess whether the infection is active.

• Liver Biopsy or Imaging: In cases of chronic hepatitis, additional tests such as liver biopsy or imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan) may be necessary to assess the extent of liver damage.

• Hepatitis B Viral Load: If a person tests positive for Hepatitis B, a viral load test is done to determine the amount of virus in the blood.

The Hepatitis Marker Screen is a crucial diagnostic test in Dubai, offering valuable insights into hepatitis infections such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Given the rise in liver disease cases and the importance of early detection, this test provides a comprehensive screening tool to identify individuals at risk.