Hepatitis G Virus
Also known as Hepatitis G Virus Pcr BloodWhat is this test?
This test is used to find out the Hepatitis G Virus in the blood.
What is the Hepatitis and Hepatitis G 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 G Virus HGV is a rare cause for the liver disease. HGV can cause chronic liver disease and viremia. It is transmitted through blood and sexual contact with the infected person. It is known as GBV-C. Most of the infected persons do not show any signs and symptoms and remain asymptomatic. The incubation period is unknown.
Why This test Is Performed:
This test is performed to check the presence of Hepatitis G 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. If an individual is on the treatment for the Hepatitis virus 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 HGV, 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.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Hepatitis G Virus. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Hepatitis G Virus.
There are no specific preparations required for this test.
Understanding your test results
The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.
If the test results are negative it may indicate that the blood does not contain HGV RNA and no infection of Hepatitis G Virus HGV.
In case the test results are positive it may indicate that the blood contains HGV RNA and infection of Hepatitis G Virus HGV.
If the test results are positive or negative, consult your doctor.
Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | Hepatitis G Antigen detected in positive cases |