Everything you need to know about Hepatitis testing: A, B, C, and E
Find out the most important Hepatitis tests for A, B, C and E, preventive measures, and what to do in case of a positive result. Protect yourself by testing early and taking preventive action.
Hepatitis is an umbrella term for various liver infections caused by viruses such as Hepatitis A, B, C, and E. Each type of Hepatitis has specific tests used for diagnosis, monitoring, and control. In this blog post, we discuss the different Hepatitis tests, what they measure, how to prevent infection, and what to do if a result is positive. We also discuss the reporting requirements for certain forms of Hepatitis, as required in the Netherlands.
Overview of the Most Important Hepatitis Tests
Here is an overview of the most commonly used Hepatitis tests by type and what they measure:
Code | Test | What it Tests | Indication/Significance |
HAVK | Hepatitis A (IgG/IgM)-Ak | Detects both IgG and IgM antibodies to Hepatitis A. | Positive for current or past infection. IgM indicates acute infection, IgG indicates immunity or previous infection. |
HAVPC | Hepatitis A RNA (PCR). | Detects viral RNA of Hepatitis A via PCR. | Indicates the presence of active Hepatitis A virus. Used for diagnosis in acute Hepatitis A. |
HAVM | Hepatitis A-IgM | Detects the IgM class of antibodies to Hepatitis A. | Positive in acute infection. Used for early detection of Hepatitis A infection. |
HBCK | Hepatitis Bc (IgG/IgM)-Ak | Detects both IgG and IgM antibodies to the core antigen of Hepatitis B. | May indicate acute or chronic infection, depending on combination of IgG and IgM. |
HBCM | Hepatitis Bc-IgM | Detects the IgM class of antibodies to the core antigen of Hepatitis B. | Positive for acute infection or recent infection. |
HBEK | Hepatitis Be-Ak | Detects antibodies to the e-antigen of Hepatitis B. | Positive result may indicate decrease in viral replication and transition to less active infection. |
HBEAG | Hepatitis Be-Antigen | Detects a viral antigen associated with viral replication. | Positive result indicates active viral replication and increased infectivity. |
HBST | Hepatitis Bs-Ak Titer | Measure the amount of antibodies to the surface antigen of Hepatitis B. | Used to assess immune status after vaccination or recovery. |
HBSAG | Hepatitis Bs-Antigen | Detects the surface antigen of Hepatitis B. | Positive result indicates active infection, both acute and chronic. |
HCVK | Hepatitis C Ak | Detects antibodies to Hepatitis C virus. | Positive result indicates current or past infection. |
HCVB | Hepatitis C Ak (Blot). | Confirmation test for Hepatitis C antibodies. | Confirms the presence of antibodies to Hepatitis C. |
HCVAG | Hepatitis C Antigen | Detects antigens of Hepatitis C virus. | Indicates active infection and viral replication. |
HCVQT | Hepatitis C virus RNA (quantitative). | Measure the amount of Hepatitis C virus RNA in the blood. | Indicates degree of viral replication and infection activity; used for diagnosis and treatment evaluation. |
HEVG | Hepatitis E IgG | Detects the IgG class of antibodies to Hepatitis E. | Positive result indicates previous infection and possible immunity to Hepatitis E. |
HEVM | Hepatitis E IgM | Detects the IgM class of antibodies to Hepatitis E. | Positive in acute infection. Used for early detection of Hepatitis E infection. |
How to Prevent Infection with Hepatitis
Prevention is the first step in protecting yourself from Hepatitis. Here are some important preventive measures for each type:
- Hepatitis A:
- Vaccination: The Hepatitis A vaccine is very effective and is recommended for travelers to areas where Hepatitis A is common.
- Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after going to the toilet and before eating, to avoid contamination through contaminated food or water.
- Hepatitis B:
- Vaccination: The Hepatitis B vaccine is part of the standard vaccination program in the Netherlands and provides long-term protection.
- Safety precautions: Avoid sharing needles and ensure safe sexual practices by using condoms.
- Hepatitis C:
- No vaccine available: There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C, so prevention focuses on risk reduction.
- Safe needle use: Do not share needles and avoid tattoos or piercings in non-certified studios.
- Hepatitis E:
- Hygiene and safe drinking water: Drink safe water and avoid uncooked shellfish in areas where Hepatitis E is prevalent.
- No vaccine available: No vaccine for Hepatitis E is available in the Netherlands; prevention is mainly focused on hygiene.
What to Do if a Result is Positive?
If a test is positive for any of the Hepatitis viruses, it is important to take immediate action:
- Medical Treatment:
- Hepatitis A: Usually no specific treatment is needed, the disease usually disappears on its own. Rest and good hygiene are important.
- Hepatitis B: Depending on whether the infection is acute or chronic, antiviral treatment may be needed. Follow your doctor's instructions and get regular checkups.
- Hepatitis C: Treatable with antiviral drugs. Early treatment can cure the disease and prevent further liver damage.
- Hepatitis E: Often rest is sufficient, but severe cases may require hospitalization and supportive care.
- Meldingsplicht:
- In the Netherlands, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are notifiable infectious diseases. This means that if you have a positive result, your doctor must report it to the GGD (Municipal Health Service). This helps monitor and control the spread of the disease. You can find more information about this at bloodvaluetest.nl.
- Infectiepreventie:
- Inform your environment: Let loved ones and sexual partners know about the infection so they can be tested as well.
- Prevent further spread: Follow your doctor's advice to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Conclusion
Hepatitis is a serious infection that takes several forms, each with its own risks and complications. By testing, vaccinating whenever possible, and taking preventive measures, you can protect yourself and others from these diseases. If you test positive for any of the Hepatitis viruses, it is important to seek medical attention quickly and follow the proper steps to prevent further spread.
Be sure to share this information with others so that they too are aware of the importance of Hepatitis prevention, testing and what to do in the event of a positive result. Hepatitis prevention and control are shared responsibilities - let's work together for a healthier future.
