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Do I Have To Wait 3 Months For Blood Work To Confirm The Presence Of Hepatitis Infection?

Posted on Thu, 14 May 2015

Question: what would be a reason for my doctor to make me wait 3 months for blood work to see if I have hepatitis and why I'm anemic? that is too long.

Answered by Dr. Vidya KR (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Window period

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I went through your query and understood your concerns.

Some viral infection need time to detect. Virus has to multiply and reach sufficient number to be detected in blood tests.
In case of HIV infection , we say first 3 months as window period, means difficult to detect virus in blood test.

So test has to done after 3 months, to confirm condition.

Hope I answered your query. Feel free to ask further related query.

Wish you a good health.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Vidya KR (18 minutes later)

it takes 1-2 weeks of being exposed to the virus to get a positive test result. so this doesn't explain why he's making me wait. he also is checking my vitamin d and anemia during this time but why would you make someone wait for something this serious? if it takes 1-2 weeks to get a positive result and my liver enzymes are 58 then he should test me asap. what if it's serious?

Answered by Dr. Vidya KR (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Window period

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for follow up query.

In case of HIV infection it takes minimum 3 months to show positive result. so we have to test for infection after 3 months.
Abnormal lab results needs to be correlated with your symptoms to interpret.
If you are not having any symptoms related to liver, can be repeated later to check for liver enzymes.

Hope I answered your query.

Wish you a good health.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Vidya KR (5 minutes later)

he isn't testing me for hiv he's testing me for HEPATITIS. that doesn't take 3 months. HEPATITIS takes 1-2 weeks after exposure to show positive in your blood according to the CDC. it should not take this long because it is HEPATITIS he's checking for.

Answered by Dr. Vidya KR (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Chronic hepatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for follow up query.

Hepatitis test if positive should be repeated after 3 months to see weather it's a chronic or acute hepatitis.

If HbS Ag remains positive even after 3-6 months, then its known as chronic hepatitis. Management of chronic hepatitis needs regular monitoring for viral load and liver function test.

Hope I answered your query. Feel free to ask further related query.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Vidya KR (24 minutes later)

Okay you still aren't answering my question.

Answered by Dr. Vidya KR (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Chronic hepatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry I am not being able to help. This query is being redirected to another doctor.

Regards

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj