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Hepatitis B e Antigen

Hepatitis B e Antigen

The Hepatitis C RNA (PCR) test is an essential diagnostic tool for detecting and quantifying the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the bloodstream. It plays a crucial role in confirming active HCV infection, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the effectiveness of antiviral treatments. The test measures the viral load, providing vital information for diagnosis and treatment planning. A high viral load indicates active infection, while a low viral load suggests a positive response to therapy. The test involves collecting a blood sample, isolating serum or plasma, and using PCR amplification to detect and quantify HCV RNA. Results guide treatment decisions, with undetectable viral loads indicating a potential cure. While the test is invaluable for managing HCV, it does not assess liver damage, necessitating additional tests for comprehensive evaluation. Overall, the Hepatitis C RNA (PCR) test is pivotal in tailoring treatment strategies and achieving successful patient outcomes.

Price of test:£94

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £94

Awaiting result:

One day

Collect material:

Blood

Prepare:

Learn more

Purpose of the test

The Hepatitis C RNA (PCR) test is vital for detecting and quantifying HCV in the bloodstream, confirming active infection, and monitoring treatment efficacy. Key objectives include:

- Diagnosis: Confirms active HCV infection, following an antibody test.
- Viral Load Measurement: Quantifies HCV RNA to assess infection severity and treatment response.
- Treatment Monitoring: Evaluates antiviral therapy effectiveness through viral load changes.
- Cure Confirmation: An undetectable viral load suggests a cure, confirmed by a qualitative test.

This test guides treatment decisions, aiming for a cure with an undetectable viral load.

Who Should Get Tested

The Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) test is essential for managing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. It detects HBeAg, indicating active viral replication and high infectivity. Key uses include:

- Monitoring Infection Status: Determines if the infection is active or resolving.
- Determining Infectivity: High HBeAg levels suggest high viral replication.
- Monitoring Treatment Response: Disappearance of HBeAg indicates successful treatment.
- Staging Chronic Infection: Assesses disease progression.

Specimen collection requires careful handling, avoiding biotin interference. The test, using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, provides crucial insights for effective HBV management.

Blood Test Preparation Guidelines

Time of day

It is recommended to schedule your appointment for blood tests in the morning hours between 7:00-10:00.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast for approximately 12 hours before blood sampling. The last meal of the previous day should ideally be consumed around 6:00 p.m. On the day before the test, avoid heavy and fatty meals as well as alcohol.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water prior to testing can help with sample collection.

Other factors

Tests should not be performed after a sleepless night or intense physical activity. It is recommended to avoid exercise and stress immediately before blood collection and to not smoke. A short rest is recommended.

Medications and supplements:

Blood samples should be collected before the morning dose. Some drugs can interfere with test results. Consult with your doctor whether you can delay your dose because of lab tests.

Biotin supplements:

High doses of biotin supplements can affect test results, causing false elevation or reduction. It's recommended to avoid taking biotin for at least 72 hours before blood collection. If you are taking biotin, inform the personnel collecting the blood so that they can provide specific instructions.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding test results is essential for managing Hepatitis C effectively. The Hepatitis C RNA (PCR) test provides crucial insights:

- Diagnosis: Confirms active HCV infection.
- Viral Load Measurement: Indicates infection severity and treatment response.
- Treatment Monitoring: Assesses antiviral therapy effectiveness.
- Cure Confirmation: An undetectable viral load suggests a cure.

The test involves blood sample collection, PCR amplification, and result interpretation. Results guide treatment strategies, with high viral loads often requiring more aggressive approaches. Understanding these results helps tailor patient care for optimal outcomes.

Price of test:£94

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £94

AI-Powered Insights and Expert Validation

Advanced AI Interpretation

Diagu's AI system represents a breakthrough in medical test analysis, employing state-of-the-art algorithms meticulously trained on a vast spectrum of authoritative medical literature and data. This system intricately analyses laboratory test results, extracting nuanced insights that might elude conventional methods. Our AI delves into complex interrelations between various health markers, offering a comprehensive understanding that supports accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. The foundation of our AI's analytical prowess lies in its extensive training, encompassing data from globally recognised medical journals, trusted healthcare databases, and breakthrough scientific studies. This ensures that every analysis is grounded in the latest and most comprehensive medical knowledge.

Expert Doctor Confirmation

While our AI provides deep analytical insights, the human touch remains indispensable. Every AI-generated interpretation is meticulously reviewed by experienced medical professionals, ensuring a harmonious blend of advanced technology and expert clinical judgment. This dual-layer approach guarantees that the insights provided are not only technologically sophisticated but also clinically relevant. Our medical experts ensure that the AI's interpretations align with current medical standards and practices, adding a layer of validation that only seasoned healthcare professionals can provide. This process reinforces the reliability of the test results, offering peace of mind to both patients and healthcare providers.

Language Model and Trusted Sources

At the core of Diagu's AI system is an advanced language model, engineered to transform complex medical data into clear, comprehensible, and informative descriptions. This model is adept at articulating detailed test analyses in a way that is accessible to both healthcare professionals and patients. The model's development involved the meticulous processing of high-quality sources, including reputable medical websites, renowned medical textbooks, and peer-reviewed research papers. This ensures that the language used in test descriptions is not only accurate and informative but also up-to-date with the latest medical findings and trends. By leveraging this rich tapestry of trusted sources, our AI system provides a deeper understanding of each test, fostering informed decision-making and enhanced patient care.

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