An Overview of Hepatitis B Virus Dna Testing (Hbv Dna)
Hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) is a genetic material known to carry blueprints of viruses. The level of HBV DNA in the blood determines the rapid replication of virus in the liver. Laboratories measure the level in millilitre – approximately a drop of blood. The test maps the “viral load”.
High level of HBV DNA particles or otherwise known as copies that range from 100,000 to a billion copies per millilitre show rapid replication of virus in liver. While on the other hand, low or negligible level of about 300 copies per millilitres suggest that the infection is inactive.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set standards for measurement of HBV DNA and has established the international unit (IU) or copies per millilitres (mL), which now is written as IU/mL or copies/mL.
It is very crucial to know the viral load when deciding on a treatment type. While the exact quantity of HBV DNA needed to damage the liver is unknown, researchers suggest that individuals who test positive for Hepatitis B ”e” antigen (HBeAg) and have a viral load more than 20,000 UI/mL may require treatment and frequent monitoring, such as in every three to six months. On the other hand, those who test negative and have a viral load of 2,000 IU/mL or higher must also be examined frequently and considered for treatment.
A low level of HBV DNA does not mean that an individual cannot have a liver damage from the infection. A physician also considers factors such as age, gender, how long infection has been present in an individual’s body and other indications of liver damage such as alanine trans-aminase (ALT) levels that rise above normal when the cells of liver are damaged.
Children, especially those that are still in the immune tolerant stage of hepatitis B can have HBV DNA levels count in billions as their immune systems haven’t yet fought against infections. The levels can also fluctuate and can be only detected via a proper HBV DNA test.
Mapping HBV DNA levels over months can effectively help monitor HBV infection and find out it any treatment is needed or not, or in case an ongoing antiviral treatment has stopped working because of resistance to vital.
To conclude, HBV DNA testing measure the quantity of genetic material present in hepatitis B virus. A high level of HBV DNA indicates the virus is multiplying at a fast rate. On the other hand, if the level is low, it means the infection is inactive. The testing also helps in analysing the effectiveness of the treatment for long-term HBV infection. Get yourself tested against the infection today and assure your health and safety. If you wish to know more about the related tests and costs involved – CHECK THIS OUT!
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