H3 Viral Marker Profile Test (HIV, HbsAg, HCV)

H3 profile blood test is often done as a pre-operative test, antenatal care test, post needle stick injury or exposure to body fluid from a suspected case. This test is not done for babies and children up to 2 years born to HIV-positive mothers.

The H3 Viral Marker Profile by CLIA - Serum test is done to:

• Detect HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses in patients.
• Confirm whether the patient has been exposed to any viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
• To monitor the progression of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infection.
• To screen an individual who has not previously been tested but is suspected to be infected with one of these viruses.
• The H3 Viral Marker Profile test is done to detect HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections in patients, confirm whether the patient has been exposed to any of the viruses, and monitor the progression of the HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections.

During the H3 profile blood test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

The H3 Viral Marker Profile by CLIA-Serum Test results for HIV, HCV and HBsAg are as follows:

HIV duo-reactive: Requires two tests with different antigens or different detection methods to diagnose.

HIV duo-negative: This could indicate recent exposure or no exposure. Repeat the test in two weeks to confirm. Early diagnosis can be done with RNA PCR 7 days after exposure.

HCV antibody detected: Patient is exposed. Use HCV RNA PCR to confirm acute infection.

HCV antibody not detected: Patient not infected or antibodies have not developed yet.

HBsAg detected: Patient believed to be infected. Confirmation is needed to prevent false positives. Persistence of HBsAg over 6 months indicates chronic infection.

HBsAg not detected: This could mean that the patient is in the window period or early infection stage. Anti-HBc IgM or HBV DNA detection may confirm the result.

The test measures Hepatitis B surface antigen (Hbs Ag), Hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV ab), HIV antibody and P24 antigen of HIV.

This is a blood test and requires no specific preparation. However, it's always a good idea to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the testing facility.

Both hepatitis B and C are viral liver infections caused by distinct viruses.

• The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B, which is transmitted by contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids.
• The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes hepatitis C, which is transmitted by contact with contaminated blood.

Both may cause severe liver damage, but hepatitis C has a higher chance of becoming chronic and leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

RNA PCR testing is a type of test used to detect the presence of virus RNA. PCR amplifies the virus's genetic material, allowing it to be detected even in very small amounts. This type of test is highly accurate and is used to diagnose active infections and monitor treatment progress.

The following people should do the H3 Viral Marker Profile test:

• Patients who are suspected of being infected with any one of the three viruses.
• Patients who have been exposed to one of the viruses.
• Individuals who are pregnant.
• Medical care providers caring for patients who are suspected to be infected or have been exposed to one of the viruses.

A blood test for the H3 profile is frequently performed before surgery, as part of antenatal care, following a needle stick injury. Babies and young children of HIV-positive moms should not do this test up to the age of two.

• H3 Viral Marker Profile HIV, HBsAg, HCV
• H3 Profile Blood Test
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
• Hepatitis C Virus