 |
|
|
Hepatitis Testing The OSPHL currently performs testing for the following hepatitis markers:1. Hepatitis A total antibody (Anti-HAV) 2. Hepatitis A IgM antibody (Anti-HAV-IgM)
4. Hepatitis B core antibody (Anti-HBc)
6. Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs)
Repeat testing will be performed on specimens that test equivocal or positive. In collection
and handling of all blood specimens, please review the "Safety Guidelines" section
and observe precautions for preventing transmission of bloodborne infectious disease.
Testing for hepatitis will generally be carried out with the tests set up under the following
schedule:
Anti-HCV is performed once a week on variable days.
The Health Services now recommends repeat anti-HAV-IgM testing 4-7 days later on any
individual with acute hepatitis who has a negative anti-HAV-IgM and negative hepatitis B
markers at or before the onset of jaundice. If the repeat anti-HAV-IgM continues to be negative,
other causes of hepatitis should be considered, such as drugs, other viral infections
(cytomegalovirus, coxsackie B, herpes, Epstein-Barr virus), syphilis, cholangitis, ischemic
hepatitis, and hepatitis C.
|
|
