Hepatitis B Virus DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test

The HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test is conducted to determine the amount or the level of Hepatitis B causing virus that may be present inside a person.

The doctor usually prescribes this test after some preliminary screening tests for the presence of Hepatitis B causing a viral infection are done. If those tests indicate that the person has that particular virus, then tests like the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test are conducted to quantify the infection present.

Further, HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test results also determine if the amount of the infection present in the body can increase and cause any severe problems.

Hepatitis B viral infection is associated with the liver and can prove to be fatal in many cases. This infection is also highly contagious and can be transferred from one person to another under certain circumstances like-

• Having direct contact with the infected blood.
• Can be transferred from a Hepatitis B positive mother to the baby during birth.
• Getting pricked with a contaminated needle.
• Having intimate contact with a person with the virus.
• While having oral, anal, and vaginal sex with an infected person.
• On using a razor (or any other personal item) that has the remnants of the infection.

In India, the prevalence of the Hepatitis B infection has been a public health concern for a long time now. Approximately 60 million infected Indians and over 1.5 Lakh deaths are reported almost every year due to Hepatitis B viral infection. Therefore, getting tested for the infection is necessary if your doctor prescribes you to do so.

Monitoring results to avoid complications from Antiviral Therapy, During pregnancy to detect Hepatitis B infection, and To detect immunity against Hepatitis B virus.

The HBV DNA Viral Load Test measures the quantity of Hepatitis B causing viral infection in the body.

Doctors prescribe the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test in the following cases:

• For people who have tested positive for Hepatitis B screening tests - People who have got positive results on the initial screening tests for the Hepatitis B viral infection are prescribed to go for the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test to determine the amount of viral load present in the body and the treatment thereafter.
• For pregnant women - Conducting the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test during pregnancy is almost necessary these days because of the higher occurrence of Hepatitis B in newborn babies. A pregnant woman with a positive Hepatitis B test report should then begin her antiviral therapy to reduce the chances of transmitting the infection to the unborn child.
• For monitoring the results of an ongoing antiviral therapy- After being detected with an infection that is probable of causing severe damage to the infected person’s liver, people undergo antiviral therapy. To monitor the progress of this therapy, doctors frequently ask the patient to take the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test. A decrease in viral load is usually taken as a sign of effective treatment.

Other than these, the doctor might suggest the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test for people showing symptoms of the viral infection like

• Fatigue
• Passing dark urine
• Muscle and joint pain
• Reduced or loss of appetite
• Running a fever
• Discomfort in the abdomen
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes

The HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test is not suggested to everyone on a routine basis. Doctors prescribed this test to people who either have come in contact with an infected person, to women who are pregnant, or to the people who have already been detected with the virus and are undergoing antiviral therapy.

Before the Test

Usually you don't need specific preparation for an HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load test. However, if your doctor has recommended other tests that require specific preparation, your doctor may advise you to fast for a few hours. It's best to consult your doctor before any test for guidance specific to your needs.

During the Test

During the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load test, a small amount of blood will be taken from a vein in your arm. Here's what you can expect:

• An antiseptic solution will be used to thoroughly cleanse the puncture site.
• A tourniquet will be placed around your arm tightly to make the veins more visible.
• A needle will be gently inserted into the vein selected for the test for drawing blood. It may cause a pinching sensation for a few seconds.
• The collected blood will be placed into a vial or small tube, labeled with your information.

After the Test

Consequent to the blood draw, expect the following:

• A bandage will be applied to the puncture site to prevent further bleeding.
• Slight bruising is common, but feeling dizzy is not. In that case, sit down for a few minutes.
• In case of bleeding, pain, or a rash at the needle site, please contact your doctor promptly.

Some HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test parameters are

• Detection and quantification of hepatitis B virus.
• Monitoring the amount of hepatitis B virus.

The HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test results are reported in numerical values and should be interpreted with the help of the following table:

Important notes:

The Linear reporting range of the assay is at 20 - 1.7 x 108 IU/mL, and the Conversion factor is 1 IU/mL = 5.82 copies / mL.

The following should be kept in mind when going for the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test:

• For pregnant women, having contracted the Hepatitis B virus becomes a health issue for the unborn child as well in most cases. So, for pregnant women, even if they do not have the virus in an initial screening, the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test is often suggested.
• For young children, the viral load can turn out to be even in millions and billions. However, this should not be a cause of concern as long as the doctor has suggested that the immune system is functioning well, and as the child grows, the body will develop relevant antibodies by killing off the viral load.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

Below is the detailed interpretation of the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test results.

• A low or undetectable viral load indicates that the lab equipment could not detect it, and the viral load stands at less than approximately 300 copies/mL.
• Moderate levels of the viral load are measured to be about 10,000 – 90,000 copies/mL. In this situation, the doctor may conduct further tests to see how the condition of the liver is and can suggest further the course of the treatment and the risk factors.
• High levels indicate quantities over 100,000 copies/mL, which is considered clinically significant. This is the most dangerous range, and the doctor will advise you to begin the treatment accordingly.

Regardless of the HBV DNA Quantitative Viral Load Test results, it is imperative that you consult your doctor.