Approximately 180,000 people in the UK have Hepatitis B, an infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects the liver and can lead to both acute and chronic liver disease.
A Hepatitis B test detects antibodies to the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in your blood, enabling doctors to determine if you have been exposed to the virus and whether you need vaccination or treatment.
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HBV (hepatitis B virus) is the virus responsible for causing the Hepatitis B infection.
This virus can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment, from mother to baby during childbirth, through contact with open sores or blood of an infected person, or from the use of unsterilised medical instruments.
Overall, HBV is a serious viral infection that requires attention to prevent transmission and manage symptoms effectively. If left untreated, chronic HBV can lead to severe liver damage, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
HBV symptoms can vary, but typically include:
Acute Infection: Fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Chronic Infection: Often asymptomatic for years, but can eventually lead to serious liver conditions such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, and liver cancer.
Testing allows for the early detection of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Emergency treatment given within the first few days of exposure can actually stop the infection process, and an early diagnosis can lead to prompt medical intervention to help prevent liver damage and other complications associated with Hepatitis B.
Knowing your Hepatitis B status enables you to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Testing also helps determine if you have already been infected with HBV and developed immunity (through natural infection), or if you need vaccination to protect yourself from future infection.
Treatment for Hepatitis B typically involves antiviral medications that are generally well-tolerated and effective, but they can have some potential negative side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and dizziness.
Long-term use of certain antiviral medications may lead to a reduction in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures. This risk is more significant in older individuals or those with existing bone health issues.
In some cases, the HBV virus can develop resistance to antiviral medications, reducing their effectiveness over time. This may require switching to different medications or combination therapies.
Yes, and no.
In about 90 – 95% of adults who are infected with hepatitis B, the immune system successfully eliminates the virus within 6 months. This means the person would no longer have hepatitis B and would not be able to spread the virus to others.
However, in some cases (about 5 – 10% of adults), the virus persists in the body and becomes chronic. Chronic hepatitis B requires ongoing medical management to prevent liver damage and other complications.
We recommend getting tested and treated to rule out that 5 – 10%.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC):
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Please ensure you arrive for your Hepatitis B blood test sufficiently hydrated, as drinking plenty of fluids beforehand ensures optimal conditions for drawing blood.
Your Hepatitis B test is a simply, straightforward and fast blood-drawing procedure where a needle is inserted into your inner arm near the elbow, to draw a small amount of blood.
As soon as we receive your results from the laboratory, your doctor will give you call. You can opt to have the doctor contact you for a discussion, receive the results by email, or reach out to us when it suits you best.
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