Hepatitis B Virus DNA Blood Test, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR

Hepatitis B is an STD that is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Symptoms of Hepatitis B are:

• appetite loss
• low-grade fever
• muscle and joint aches
• nausea and vomiting
• yellow skin 
• dark urine due to jaundice

It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from mother to child. The severity of the disease ranges from mild or acute symptoms to more long-term and severe cases that can cause liver disease or liver cancer. The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for those who have not been previously vaccinated.

This test detects hepatitis B viral genetic material and can detect an active HBV infection. Its primary use is to monitor antiviral therapy in patients with chronic HBV infections.