Inflammatory processes in the liver, which are provoked by various toxins and viruses that have entered the body of the individual, lead to pathological conditions called hepatitis. Their consequences are very serious - this is cirrhosis, oncology, liver failure. Early detection of the disease provides a chance for a successful cure. It is important to remember that a long period of the disease is often asymptomatic. A hepatitis test is the first step in a comprehensive examination. What methods exist and how long a blood test for hepatitis is done will be discussed in this article.
How to be tested for hepatitis?
There are several types of studies for which the blood of an individual is used as a biomaterial:
- IFA;
- PCR;
- biochemistry;
- clinical;
- coagulogram.
The first two methods are used for differential diagnosis, they are called specific, and with the help of the last three they confirm the diagnosis, they are auxiliary. In addition to the above methods, you can check at home.
For this, there are rapid tests with which hepatitis tests are also done. In how many minutes will the results be ready with this type of study? The result is evaluated after the period of time that is indicated in the instructions for the test. If capillary blood was used as biomaterial, the results will be ready in ten minutes, if saliva - in twenty. It should be remembered that the express method cannot be considered the final confirmation of the disease.
Nonspecific hepatitis tests
Some patients are interested in why they were prescribed urine analysis, if it is necessary to be tested for hepatitis and how much analysis is done? The fact is that the development of this disease is accompanied by jaundice, and one of its manifestations is the dark color of urine. The reason for this phenomenon is an increased concentration of bilirubin in the blood and, as a result, the presence of its cleavage products in urine. The analysis will be ready on the second day. The next type of research is general and blood biochemistry. In the first, a rather low level of white blood cells and hemoglobin is found. A decrease in platelet concentration indicates a severe form of the disease. The second species, although not specific, however, it is very informative. Overstatement of permissible norms of the following indicators is observed:
- bilirubin;
- transaminase;
- alkaline phosphatase;
- ALT;
- AST.
They indicate the severity of the destructive processes that occur in the cells of the liver and, as a result, the enzyme substances enter the bloodstream. In addition, quantitative changes are present among triglycerides and protein fractions. If the individual has no liver disease, then the analysis will not reveal any changes.
A coagulogram will help assess the state of the blood coagulation system. Due to impaired liver function and protein deficiency, the presence of coagulation factors decreases sharply, which can provoke severe bleeding.
Hepatitis specific tests
These include immunological and serological. With their help, antibodies to pathogens and virus particles are detected in the individual’s blood. Antibodies are protein compounds that are produced by white blood cells. According to the results of these studies, differential diagnosis is carried out and the type of hepatitis is determined, each of which has its own characteristic marker. For example, testing for hepatitis A is quite affordable at home. For this, rapid tests are purchased at a pharmacy institution. How much hepatitis A marker analysis is done depends on the manufacturer of these medical devices. On average, the duration of the study takes no more than fifteen minutes. Of course, an analysis carried out at home cannot serve as a basis for making a diagnosis, but, as an initial examination, it is fully justified. Laboratories provide a wide range of hepatitis diagnostic services using the following methods:
- Enzyme immunoassay. Using it, determine the viral load. IgM is a specific marker that is detected in the first days of infection. In response to the ingestion of the pathogen, antibodies are synthesized. The detection of IgG indicates a past infection and the presence of immunity against the virus.
- Polymerase chain reaction is used for early diagnosis of the disease and is considered an effective method. It is used to identify infected people who were in contact with patients. How much a blood test for hepatitis is done in this way depends on which laboratory of the health care institution donated the biomaterial. Private clinics are ready to provide answers in one to three days, in regional and municipal this study takes up to seven days.
Hepatitis B Markers
Diagnostic markers of this type of hepatitis:
- Anti-HBe - indicates remission or recovery.
- Anti-HBcorIgG - indicates successful vaccination and previous illness.
- HBsAg - detected at the end of the incubation period. Saving it for six months from the onset of the disease indicates a chronic stage.
- HBeAg - indicates the presence of a virus in the body. When jaundice passes, the marker is not detected. The chronic course is suspected with prolonged storage in the blood.
- Anti-HBs - are recorded during recovery. This indicator is responsible for the strength of the immune response.
- Anti-HBcorIgM - indicates acute viral inflammation of the liver. These antibodies are in the bloodstream until the individual recovers.
How much hepatitis B test is done? Usually, the patient receives a response within seven days.
Hepatitis C test
Blood is examined by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) for the presence of antibodies to HCV. Antibodies are protein compounds that are synthesized by the immune system as a response to the penetration of the virus into the body. They come in various classes and can be detected for a long period, even for life, and in the absence of the causative agent of the disease. ELISA is used for the initial diagnosis of the disease. It must be prescribed before surgery, donors, women in position, etc.
How much hepatitis C test is done? The term is from one to five days, depending on the workload of the laboratory. Upon receipt of a positive result, an additional test is carried out, which is called immunoblotting. To confirm the diagnosis, PCR is used to detect the virus by this method. In most cases, the presence of HCV antibodies in the blood indicates the presence of chronic viral hepatitis in the individual. In some cases, false-positive results are possible. Often this phenomenon occurs in individuals with some infectious diseases, and in pregnant women. The reason lies in the reception of immunosuppressants and imbalance in the immune system.
How many days is a hepatitis test done? Such a question is often asked by patients to the doctor when prescribing this type of research. Basically, the results are ready the next day, but in some cases they can be obtained in five or ten days.
PCR in the diagnosis of liver inflammation
The study by the method of polymerase chain reaction is done after the detection of antibodies in the body of the individual. It is considered the most reliable. Detect viral RNA or DNA by PCR. In addition, conducting such a study determines the genotype of the virus, which is very important for prescribing therapeutic treatment and monitoring the body's response to certain medications. There are several options for this type of diagnosis:
- Qualitative - indicates the presence in the body of the pathogen, that is, it is used to confirm the disease. This type makes it possible to know whether special cells are synthesizing the body to fight infection or not.
- Quantitative - allows you to quantify the presence of the virus, as well as to clarify the degree of infection. It shows a viral load on the body, it can be high or low.
How much hepatitis PCR analysis is done? The finished result is issued to the patient no later than fourteen days after the delivery of the biomaterial. And in some cases for five hours. Having studied the results of the analysis, the doctor determines the tactics of treatment, the purpose of which is to reduce the viral load.
Types of tests for syphilis
This type of study is often prescribed along with a hepatitis test. There are several ways to detect syphilis, including at home. Rapid tests are available for research at home. The result will be ready no later than 30 minutes. Laboratory methods:
- Immune fluorescence is the most accurate way to detect an infection.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - allows you to define different classes of antibodies in qualitative and quantitative terms.
- Treponema immobilization is one of the most sensitive methods for detecting certain treponemas. With its help, an infection is diagnosed in the absence of signs of the disease.
- Passive agglutination - the method is effective at any stage of the pathology with the exception of the first four weeks of penetration of the pathogen.
Regardless of how the study was conducted, the results can be obtained in two to three days, and the shelf life of tests for syphilis is from three months to a year.
How long is the hepatitis test done and when should the test be repeated?
Many patients ask these questions. All analyzes have different expiration dates:
- clinical blood tests - five days;
- biochemistry - no more than two weeks;
- blood tests for hepatitis B and C, ELISA, PCR - six months.
If the patient regularly visits the attending doctor, then he should not worry about when to take the test. The doctor controls this issue. Patients must be tested for HIV and hepatitis before hospitalization, during pregnancy, before surgery, before donating blood. How much hepatitis testing is done? This question is often of interest to patients at the doctor. The time intervals through which analyzes will be ready are also different. When conducting a test with an express test, the answer will be ready after a maximum of sixty minutes, and a minimum after fifteen minutes. Analysis for antibodies is done from one to seven days, PCR will be ready in two weeks. In each particular case, the timing of readiness is better to check with the doctor.
Where to get and how many tests for HIV and hepatitis are done?
These questions interest many. First of all, you should contact the clinic at the place of residence, in which, after a small examination, the doctor will give you directions for these types of studies, tell you how to properly prepare for the biomaterial, and where it is best to take the test. It is important to remember that an HIV test can be done anonymously, both in a budgetary and private medical organization. How many HIV and hepatitis tests are done and how long are they valid? The results will be ready in four to seven days, and they are valid only six months. To detect hepatitis, a general analysis of urine and blood is prescribed, blood biochemistry, and also a specific diagnosis is made. To diagnose HIV infection, a complex of examinations is carried out, including ELISA and immunoblot.
Prevention
Hepatitis is an epidemic disease, according to WHO. The parenteral route of transmission causes an infectious lesion of the liver, and in a short period of time the acute stage becomes chronic. Viral hepatitis B and C provokes the development of liver failure, portal hypertension, cirrhosis. It is very difficult to cure this disease, so all efforts should be directed to preventive measures. Allocate prevention:
- Primary - it is aimed at preventing infection. Due to the fact that these types of diseases are transmitted through sexual contact and through the blood, certain rules must be followed when performing medical manipulations. Do not use other people's hygiene products, use protective equipment for sexual intercourse. Vaccination is a specific prophylaxis and is a good way to protect against this ailment. The schedule of vaccinations is consistent with the attending doctor.
- Secondary - measures are aimed at the treatment and early detection of infected individuals. Women planning a baby's birth are advised to take a blood test for hepatitis. How many days the study is done can be checked with the doctor. This approach helps to detect whether a woman is a carrier of infection, and accordingly reduce the risk of her transmission to an unborn child. For infected individuals it is shown: counseling; continuous monitoring for the early diagnosis of chronic pathology; Conducting appropriate therapy, including antiviral.
Types of HIV tests
You already know how much analysis is done for syphilis and hepatitis. HIV can also be detected by passing a diagnosis. Let's consider what methods exist:
- PCR - with its help, the immune status is examined, RNA and DNA viruses are determined. This process lasts from three to fourteen days.
- Rapid tests - any biological fluid (blood, saliva, urine) is needed for analysis. The result is ready in 15-30 minutes.
- IFA - the results of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay will be ready in two days.
- Immunoblot - certain HIV antigens are searched for in the blood serum. This procedure lasts several days.
- Complete blood count (KLA) - the answer is usually ready the next day.
Basically, the timing of the availability of results depends on the workload of laboratories. Therefore, the question of how many tests for HIV (AIDS) and hepatitis are done , it is better to specify in advance, since in some situations the answer is required as quickly as possible. For example, in ordinary state polyclinics, a response is invited after two weeks. When contacting private centers - in a week.
How long the result will be valid depends on the goal that the doctor pursued in ordering the analysis. For example, the results of a study on hepatitis and HIV, submitted for surgery, are valid for three months, KLA - no more than ten days. The generally accepted validity period for a hepatitis and HIV test is six months. However, for pregnant women it is not relevant, they should be tested more often. It is important to remember that over time, information becomes irrelevant, that is, it is distorted. Therefore, maintaining the terms of their action is a guarantee of a timely diagnosed disease and treatment.
Conclusion
How much a blood test for hepatitis is done should be checked with a doctor. It is carried out in case of suspected pathology or with a prophylactic purpose to detect risk factors. First of all, blood biochemistry is prescribed and the concentration of proteins and enzymes is assessed, thus revealing the pathological processes that occur in the liver. This type of analysis is available at any medical facility. Specific tests are carried out in specialized laboratories.
How much hepatitis testing is done? If the patient is in hospital treatment, the results will be known on the day of delivery or within ten days if they are sent to another laboratory. If necessary, the doctor will recommend a re-examination. For example, antibodies against hepatitis C for four to ten weeks may be absent in the bloodstream of the individual. It is important to remember that a blood test will not determine the acute or chronic nature of the disease, with it only the type of hepatitis is detected.