Hepatitis A, B, C
Analysis of antibodies and acute infections
Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver that can be caused by viral infection, toxins, congenital diseases, drugs, alcohol abuse or autoimmune processes. The most common viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Depending on the course of the disease, they are divided into acute, which resolves within a few weeks or months, and chronic, which can persist for many years. Typical symptoms include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dark-coloured urine or light-coloured stools. With microbiological analysis, antibody levels and acute infection can be detected, allowing appropriate preventive or therapeutic measures to be taken.
IN WHICH SITUATIONS IT IS APPROPRIATE TO TAKE THE TEST
PREVIOUS INFECTION
You've had hepatitis in the past.
RISKY CONTACT
You've had contact with an infected person.
MANIFESTATIONS OF HEPATITIS
You suffer from some of the symptoms of the disease.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
You have been diagnosed with AI disease.
DETAILED INFORMATION
Hepatitis A is an acute inflammatory liver disease caused by the HAV virus, also called dirty hands disease. The virus is present in stool, saliva, urine and nasopharyngeal secretions. It is transmitted by personal contact or ingestion of contaminated food or water. It enters the body through the mouth. This type of hepatitis usually does not cause serious health complications or sequelae, and most patients recover fully within 2 months after infection. An infection that has been passed creates lifelong immunity. You can get vaccinated against hepatitis A as a preventive measure.
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening infection of the liver caused by the HBV hepatitis virus. It is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, saliva and body fluids (sexual intercourse) of an infected person or from mother to child. Globally, it is one of the most common and most serious viral diseases. The infection does not go away on its own, but can progress to chronic inflammation and cause cirrhosis or liver tumour. In the Czech Republic, hepatitis B vaccination is part of the compulsory vaccination of children (Hexavaccine).
Hepatitis C is an inflammatory liver disease caused by the HCV virus. It is the most serious type of hepatitis. It is transmitted by blood and sexual intercourse. At-risk groups include in particular drug users and promiscuous persons. Most acute infections occur without obvious symptoms. If any symptoms do appear, it is usually within 7-8 weeks after exposure and includes jaundice, malaise, nausea - similar to hepatitis A and B. In most infected people, it is a chronic infection which, if left untreated, can cause cirrhosis or liver tumours. You cannot be vaccinated against hepatitis C.
HOW THE TEST WORKS AND WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
After ordering the test, you will receive an email with detailed information. A DNA sample is obtained by taking a blood sample at your local physician or in our outpatient clinic. The result of the analysis will be communicated to you by telephone and we will agree how you wish to obtain the laboratory report. In case of a positive result, we will arrange a consultation with a physician who will explain everything and recommend appropriate measures.