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Is HBV DNA Quantitative Test 8 Days Post Exposure Conclusive?
Question: Hi...I had HBV DNA PCR test done 8 days post exposure and came back non-reactive undetecrable, how accurate is that result?
And normally what is the earliest most accurate post exposure days before doing that test?
And normally what is the earliest most accurate post exposure days before doing that test?
Brief Answer:
repeat test after 1-2 months
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the query
This test is used to look for the presence of Hepatitis B (Hep B) viral genetic material in the blood. The results for this test are quantitative, meaning they provide a numerical result rather than a simple positive or negative. Because Viral DNA is often detectable sooner than antibodies developed in response to an infection
The presence of HBV DNA in serum is a reliable marker of active HBV replication.
HBV DNA levels are detectable by 30 days following infection.
The Hep B PCR test can typically detect the virus 3 weeks from exposure
So you had get it done after 8 days of exposure and it is showing negative.So this test is not reliable because the incubation period for HBV infection is 30 - 40 days. ie it takes nearly so much of time to infect the person . so you need to get it done again after 1 month.
This test is done maily for viral load and for screening. After 1 month you can get done HBSAg and HBEAg, which gives equivocal results.
If you have any doubt you are welcome.
Regards
Dr Priyanka G Raj
repeat test after 1-2 months
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the query
This test is used to look for the presence of Hepatitis B (Hep B) viral genetic material in the blood. The results for this test are quantitative, meaning they provide a numerical result rather than a simple positive or negative. Because Viral DNA is often detectable sooner than antibodies developed in response to an infection
The presence of HBV DNA in serum is a reliable marker of active HBV replication.
HBV DNA levels are detectable by 30 days following infection.
The Hep B PCR test can typically detect the virus 3 weeks from exposure
So you had get it done after 8 days of exposure and it is showing negative.So this test is not reliable because the incubation period for HBV infection is 30 - 40 days. ie it takes nearly so much of time to infect the person . so you need to get it done again after 1 month.
This test is done maily for viral load and for screening. After 1 month you can get done HBSAg and HBEAg, which gives equivocal results.
If you have any doubt you are welcome.
Regards
Dr Priyanka G Raj
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
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