What is hepatitis B serology?
Serology of hepatitis B is a group of tests that can detect the presence of HBV and various antibodies in the individual with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a condition caused by infection of hepatitis B (HBV). When the individual's immune system detects the presence of this virus in the body, it produces several substances to protect the body. This is called antibodies and are often present in the blood of the serum of the affected individual. The serum is the yellow part of the blood that can be observed when the blood sample is left for several hours.
One of the tests in serology of hepatitis B is performed to detect the presence of the virus in the individual manifestation of symptoms of the disease. This test is called surface antigen hepatitis B or HBSAG. The HBSAG Hepatitis B positive serological test can often indicate a virus infection. Symptoms of hepatitis B infection include pain on the right upper abdomen, yellowing, itching and loss of appetite. The stool of the affected patient can also become gray -colored and its urine, tea.
In serum of patient with hepatitis B there are several antibodies that can be measured using several serological tests of hepatitis B. These tests include Anti-HBSAG, Anti-HBE and Anti-HBC. Anti-HBSAG test measures the level of antibodies against HBSAG HBV. When it is present, it often means that the individual has been exposed to a virus and that he has already recovered from the infection. This test is also performed after several doses of vaccination against hepatitis B to ensure that the body has sufficient protection against future infection.
High anti-hbe levels often show that the presence of the virus is low. Anti-HBC hepatitis B serology may usually indicate an infection, even if the HBSAG and Anti-Hbsag test is negative. Both tests can be negative when the infection is in the period of the window.
The window period is the time when HBSAG has disappeared from serum and antibodies have not yet appeared in serum. Another test of hepatitis b serology that can detect hepatitis B infection during OBDObers of windows is an anti-HBC IGM test. IGM is a type of antibody present in serum of patients with newly acquired infections.
Most patients usually recover from hepatitis B infection. However, some patients may have a longer disease than others. The serological test of hepatitis B, which is usually performed to monitor the therapeutic reaction of these patients, is called the HBV test deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).