Hepatitis B Test

Hi, I'm translating this post for my mom and I hope you all can help us!

"I am a 37 years old Asian female who have Chronic Hepatitis B for a couple of years already. Back one year ago, I took a blood test and was told that my Hepatitis B virus is gone and I was really amazed so as my doctor! But sadly, 2 weeks ago I retook the test and was told my virus level was at a very low level still. Here are some data on my test result:

HEPTIMAX (TM) HCV RNA     In Range <5
HEPTIMAX (TM) HCV RNA     In Range <0.70

HEPATITIS B VIRAL DNA QUANT., PCR     Out of Range 2410
HEPATITIS B VIRAL DNA                           Out of Range 1270"

That is the results to the test. I was wondering if there is any chance that the disease will be gone or if there anyway we can get rid of the disease. And I also want to know what are the data results mean? What is HEPTIMAX HCV RNA? Is it a test for Hepatitis C? Should we worry about the <5 data? Is the result for HEPATITIS B VIRAL DNA at 2410 significance? Can you help me compare that to a level where we should worry?

Thanks for your time and hope to hear your answers soon!

[cajim]

1.  You don't have HCV.
2.  You have HBV.  HBV DNA <2000 is a level where doctors don't recommend treatment.

[zellyf]

Was the DNA measure in copies/ml or IU/ml?  Is your mother e-antigen + or -?

[xzstarszx]

Hi, thanks for the reply. The DNA 2410 is copies IU/ml and 1270 is IU/ml. The doctor said she have chronic Hepatitis B, but it is inactive in her blood right now. Should we worry, and is there any chance of getting rid of the virus for good? Thanks!

[xzstarszx]

Ooops I'm sorry, an update, 2410 is copies/ml and 1270 is IU/ml.

[zellyf]

Okay, you need to find out her e-antigen status because e-antigen positive HepB is dealt with differently than e-negative.  At this point, however, things look fine.  The current treatment guidelines typically followed have treatment levels as:

For e-negative, treat when DNA is greater than 2000 IU/ml.

She's below that right now but you need to do a series of panels to see if she is staying below that or if she's creeping up or if she's bouncing around in that area.  

[xzstarszx]

Hi, how would we find the e-antigen status? Is this through a blood test or how? The results i posted were from blood test. TIA!

[zellyf]

Yes, a blood test.  They should have run it.

[bberry]

ask the doctor to run a complete HepB profile.

[xzstarszx]

Alright guys, thanks a lot I will make sure we do that on our next appointment with our doctor! Thanks!!