Hepatitis Central

The latest research & treatment news about Hepatitis C infection, diagnosis, symptoms and treatments.

Hepatitis B DNA General Clinical Tests

Test Name
Method		 Hepatitis B DNA (HBV DNA)

Slot bar or liquid hybridization
Specimen
Requirements		 Serum
Freeze if test can not be run immediately. Stable for at least 7 d at -20°
Ref. Range
Conventional
International Recommended Units		 Negative
(Limits of detection: -3 x 10 (4) genome eqivalents/mL)
Chemical Interfaces
In Vivo Effects		 None Found
Diagnostic Information The presence of HBV-DNA in serum confirms active Hepatitis B infection and implies infectivity of serum. Current use of the assay is for confirming Hepatitis B infection in immunosuppressed patients with confusing serological markers and in assessing responses of Hepatitis B to therapy, such as intron -a.
Remarks Hepatitis B DNA and RNA can also be detected in tissues using molecular biological techniques, but these tests are generally available. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for detecting and subtyping Hepatitis B variants may become commercially available within the next few years.

References:
Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, third edition.

Site Topics

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Some of our most commonly asked questions and our answers to them.

  • HCV Symptoms

    You'll find links to a comprehensive symptoms list, as well as various studies and discussions about Hepatitis C symptoms.

  • Lab Tests

    What they are and what they mean. Helps you interpret & understand all the various hepatitis lab tests likely to be encountered.

  • Hepatitis C Genotypes

    Learn about Hepatitis C Genotypes and their variants.

  • Viral Load

    Provides detailed information on how to analyze and interpret viral load numbers as well as a link to a convenient Viral Load Chart.

  • What is...?

    Learn more about various Hepatitis C related topics, including HCV, Ascites, Biopsies, and much more.

  • HCV Medicines

    Numerous links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of Ribavirin/Rebetron medicines.

  • Glossary

    Commonly used medical terms and definitions.

  • Hepatitis C Doctors

    A state-by-state and worldwide reference listing physicians who treat HCV, including an email link to submit your physician for inclusion.

  • Biopsy Info

    A comprehensive resource of information relating to the liver biopsy.

  • Cirrhosis

    Many discussions and analyses of cirrhosis, including causes, complications, pathology, symptoms, and much more.

  • Liver Cancer

    Liver Cancer/Hepatocellular Carcinoma studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis.

  • Liver Disease Medicines

    An exhaustive list of links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of the various drugs used to treat liver disease.

  • Hep-Central Email List

    Sign up to learn about advances and breakthroughs in Hepatitis C research, including information about medical and complementary treatments.

  • HCV Links

    Convenient links to other sites external to Hepatitis-Central.

  • HCV Transmission

    Information about the transmission of Hepatitis C.

  • HCV Natural Remedies

    A number of herbal products useful in the management of liver disease.

  • HCV Books

    Recommended reading for those interested in hepatitis information.

  • Hepatitis C Forum

    A Bulletin Board for discussions on hepatitis, treatments, etc.

  • Hepatitis C Activism

    An easy way to get involved in urging our government to do more for Hepatitis C awareness and treatment research.

Advertisement(s)

Advertisement