My test is conclusive

[maash2281]

Hi All ,

After my 6 weeks exposure i have taken the below test , will that be conclusive or do i need to take any more test?

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA Qualitative (Detection) - COBAS TaqMan
Test: Qualitative (Detection) of HBV DNA from patient`s plasma or serum by
standard procedure on COBAS TaqMan
Equipment: COBAS AmpliPrep and COBAS TaqMan
Limit of Detection: 20 IU/ml.
HBV-DNA Detection NOT DETECTABLE
Result Interpretation: 1. A positive HBV DNA result indicates active infection in the individual.
2. A NOT DETECTABLE result indicates the absence of HBV infection or
resolved/convalescent stage of infection or the viral copies is below 20 IU/ml.
Clinical Significance: 1. HBV is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide.
HBV is a DNA virus that is transmitted primarily through blood exposure
and sexual contact, and from mothers to their children.
2. The clinical manifestations range from subclinical hepatitis to symptomatic
hepatitis and, in rare instances, fulminant hepatitis. Long-term
complications of hepatitis B include cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Perinatal or childhood infection is associated with few or no
symptoms but has a high risk of becoming chronic.
Methodology: The COBAS AmpliPrep & COBAS TaqMan HBV Test is an in vitro
nucleic acid amplification test for the detection of HBV DNA.
Target Selected: Highly conserved pre-Core/Core region of the HBV genome across
A-G genotypes is selected for amplification and detection.

[StephenCastlecrag]

Because I am not a doctor and you asked whether your test is conclusive, erring on the side of caution, I suggest a confirmation with a much simple HBsAg test in 8 months time. By 8 months, an acute infection should be truly over.

[maash2281]

Thanks , I am still not understanding why we need to retest after 8 months? HBV DNA test will for virus itself right? If that is not detected why we need to retest? tat too 8 months? Confusing.

[StephenCastlecrag]

http://depts.washington.edu/hepstudy/hepB/clindx/serology/discussion.html

According to the above website, hbvdna should appear within 30 days of exposure, so your test result is very encouraging. Maybe you should test for HBsAg (less expensive test) after 8 months just to confirm.