HBV DNA Viral Load Taqman RT-PCR Test

1. HBV DNA test is done to determine the hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA quantity in the serum of patients. 
2. It is used to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.
3. It is also useful to monitor the progression of disease & treatment in mutant HBV infections.

HBV DNA test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

HBV DNA viral load is valuable in the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis along with ALT levels : 

Case 1. HBeAg positive:

• ALT levels normal - Treatment not recommended. Monitor HBV DNA & ALT levels every 6 months & HbeAG every 12 months
• ALT levels high but less than 2 times normal. Exclude other causes of ALT elevation, assess disease severity by non-invasive tests and or liver biopsy. Monitor after 6 months, if ALT persists  then treat
•  ALT >= to 2 times normal and HBV DNA> 20000 IU/mL then treat. If HBV DNA 2000-20000 IU/mL then monitor after 6 months, if ALT persists then treat

Case 2. HBeAg negative:

• ALT levels normal - HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL- Do not treat. If HBV DNA >= 2000 IU/mL then monitor every 3 months for year and then every 6 months
•  ALT levels high but less than 2 times - exclude other causes of elevation. Test for disease severity. If ALT above normal with HBV DNA>= 2000 IU/mL then treat
• If ALT >= 2 times than normal and HBV DNA> 2000 IU/mL than treat.  If less than 2000 IU/mL exclude other causes of ALT elevation. If ALT levels & DNA >= 2000 IU/ mL persists than treat

The HBV DNA TaqMan RT-PCR is a simple blood test that measures the hepatitis B virus load in the blood. The test uses special nucleic acid sequences complementary to the viral DNA and emitting fluorescence. When the collected sample is put along with the probe sequence in an RTPCR machine, the intensity of the light emitted is a direct quantitative measure of the viral load.

Since it is a simple blood test, no preparatory measures are required. However, you may be asked to refrain from taking certain medications for a few days before giving the test. Consult your lab or healthcare provider for instructions.

No, it is not painful. Your doctor only uses a syringe to collect a few millilitres of blood from your vein.

If the result comes back as positive, depending on the amount of the viral load and the severity of the infection, your doctor may suggest medications and certain lifestyle changes.

Acute HBV that stays only for six months can be resolved by limiting alcohol intake, eating healthy, and engaging in physical activity. However, if the condition has progressed to a chronic stage, it may require medication or surgery and sometimes a liver transplant.

A liver transplant is only required when most liver cells are damaged and medication fails. An HBV infection can often be resolved with medication and lifestyle changes. Please speak with your medical practitioner regarding your medical condition.

Some of the factors that can increase your chances of contracting an HBV infection are:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Coming in physical contact with an infected person
• Sharing a space with an infected person as the virus can spread through body secretions like mucus, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, etc.

• HBV DNA viral load test
• Hepatitis B Virus DNA viral load test
• Hepatitis B Virus DNA Quantification

You may be asked to take the HBV DNA TaqMan RT-PCR if you have been experiencing the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite - one of the early symptoms of liver disease or infection is loss of appetite or reduced hunger
• Abdominal pain - pain in the abdomen may progress from mild discomfort to excruciating pain depending on your body type and medical history
• Dark urine - since the liver is the prime organ for detoxification, infection or disease could impair its functions, resulting in urine discolouration
• Fever - temperature changes result from the immune system recognising a foreign body. Joint pain - one of the characteristic symptoms of HBV infection is joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting - paired with the loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting can weaken you
• Weakness and fatigue - as a result of poor appetite. Yellowing of the eyes (whites) and the skin - also called jaundice- could mean that you require immediate medical attention

Even in the absence of these symptoms, if you had contact with an infected person, are born to someone who has HBV infection, had sex with an infected person, shared an unknown needle, or travelled to regions with a high prevalence of HBV infection, it is suggested that you consult with or visit medical practitioners and get tested at the earliest.