HEV
Also known as Hepatitis E Virus Pcr BloodWhat is this test?
This test is used to find out the Hepatitis E Virus in the blood.
What is the Hepatitis and Hepatitis E Virus:
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 E is a liver disease caused by the Hepatitis E Virus HEV. HEV has 4 different genotypes. Genotype 1,2 are found in humans only. Genotypes 3 and 4 are seen n several animals without causing any disease and occasionally in infect humans. It is transmitted through contaminated water. Hepatitis E disease resolves within 2-6 weeks. Rarely it may cause fulminant disease (acute liver failure) and may lead to death.
Symptoms such as jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, hepatomegaly, mild fever, reduced appetite, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, itching, joint pain, and skin rash are seen in the individuals who were infected with HEV. Pregnant women with HEV are at more risk of developing liver failure.
Why This test Is Performed:
This test is performed to check the presence of Hepatitis E Virus 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 acute or chronic HEV infection.
If an individual is on the treatment for Hepatitis E virus HEV 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 HEV, 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 HEV PCR Blood, Hepatitis E Virus.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your HEV. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for HEV.
There are no specific preparations required for this test.
Understanding your test results
If the test results are negative it may indicate that the blood does not contain HEV RNA and no infection of Hepatitis E Virus HEV.
In case the test results are positive it may indicate that the blood contains HEV RNA and infection of Hepatitis E Virus HEV.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | Hepatitis E Antigen detected in positive cases |