HDV RNA
Also known as Hepatitis D Rna Rt Pcr BloodWhat is this test?
This test is used to find out the Hepatitis D RNA in the blood.
What is Hepatitis and Hepatitis D:
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and can lead to scarring, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis can be caused due to auto-immune diseases, alcohol or toxic substances.
Hepatitis D Virus HDV requires Hepatitis B Virus HBV for its replication. HDV infection occurs along with HBV infection. HDV is transmitted through contact with blood or other body fluids of an infected person. HDV infection cannot occur in the absence of HBV. HDV-HBV co-infection is known as the severe form of chronic hepatitis. HBV vaccine is the only way to prevent the HDV infection.
Chronic HBV carriers, sex workers, persons who inject drugs, people who are not immune to HBV are more prone to the risk of getting infected by HDV.
Why This test Is Performed:
This test is performed to check the presence of Hepatitis D RNA in the blood. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms such as abdominal pain, joint pains, muscle pains, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, yellow skin and eyes, itching, dark urine etc. This test helps for diagnosis the chronic HDV infection.
If an individual is on the treatment for Hepatitis D virus HDV then the doctor may ask to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment.
How Often This Test Should Be Performed:
This test should be done after 15-45 days of infection. If you have been diagnosed with HBV, your doctor may advise you to get this test done once in a year based on your clinical condition. If you are a healthy individual above the age of 35, your doctor may advise you to undergo this test either on a yearly basis or every other year.
Precautions:
Some medications may change the test results and hence you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.
Also known as HDV RNA RT PCR Blood, Hepatitis D RNA.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your HDV RNA. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for HDV RNA.
There are no specific preparations required for this test.
Understanding your test results
If the test results are negative it may indicate that there is no Hepatitis D RNA in the blood and no infection of Hepatitis D Virus HDV.
In case the test results are positive it may indicate that there is Hepatitis D RNA in the blood and chronic infection of Hepatitis D Virus HDV.
If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your test results.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | Hepatitis D RNA detected in positive cases |