Hepatitis Panel
Valued at: $257.00
Our Price: $185.00

  Description   Test Includes  

HEPATITIS PANEL


A HealthCheckUSA hepatitis panel is a blood test that looks for the various forms of hepatitis--A, B, and C. You should consider taking a hepatitis panel is you have hepatitis symptoms, which include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, yellow eyes and skin, and lethargy. A hepatitis panel should be taken if you think you were even exposed to the virus, even if you do not currently exhibit any of the above symptoms. Consult with a doctor or nurse if you have any questions regarding hepatitis symptoms.

Hepatitis A


Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver that's caused by the hepatitis A virus. A hepatitis panel should be taken if you have any of the above symptoms. Typically, this form of hepatitis goes away without treatment and does not usually cause chronic illnesses. But you should still take a hepatitis panel--in rare occasions, hepatitis A can cause liver failure that can be life-threatening. Hepatitis A is spread by food or drink that is contaminated with the virus, such as shellfish. It can also be spread by direct contact with infected blood. If you've already had hepatitis A, you are immune to the virus. A hepatitis A vaccine can also prevent infection in the first place. The only treatment for hepatitis A is rest and proper nutrition. You should also avoid alcohol, as it causes stress on the liver.

Hepatitis B


A hepatitis panel will also show if you have hepatitis B, which is also a liver disease caused by the hepatitis virus. If your hepatitis panel shows that you have the B strain, your liver becomes inflamed and could scarring, liver cancer, and/or the need for a liver transplant. You should take a hepatitis panel for B if you've been in contact with body fluids, as that's how it is typically spread. Treatment options depend if the infection in acute or chronic. If your hepatitis panel is positive, your doctor will develop a treatment plan. Hepatitis B can also be prevented by a vaccine.

Hepatitis C


Hepatitis C is also spread through direct blood contact. Like the other strains, hepatitis C effects the liver. If not managed, the disease can lead to liver scarring and eventual transplant. You should consider a hepatitis panel if you have a history of intravenous drug use, tattoos, piercings, blood exposure, or unsafe sexual practices. Initially, those with the C virus don't have any symptoms--that's why getting a hepatitis panel is so essential. Those who do experience mild symptoms during the initial 6 months of the disease are usually misdiagnosed.

A hepatitis panel from HealthCheckUSA can verify if you do, in fact, have the virus. After 6 months, hepatitis C becomes chronic, and begins to affect the liver. Get a hepatitis panel before the disease reaches this chronic, damaging state. Most of those with hepatitis C will require some form a treatment--unlike A and B, C does not typically "run its course." A hepatitis C treatment regimen includes antiviral drugs.

Registering for a Hepatitis Panel


Browse to the hepatitis panel on the HealthCheckUSA.com site, fill out the client information profile, and select your method of payment. You will be sent a personalized requisition form by first class mail to take to your selected laboratory location. The technician at the laboratory will draw a small sample of your blood for the hepatitis panel. As you have prepaid for this service, no further payment will be required at the laboratory.

Hepatitis Panel Preparation


To ensure absolute accuracy, a ten-hour fast is recommended before taking a hepatitis panel. Black coffee and water are permitted during your period of fast. Your hepatitis panel results will be sent by first class mail on the business day following your test. Please allow ten business days to receive your results. All results include reference ranges along with your levels. You may also elect to receive the results of your hepatitis panel via our secure website.

For more information on Hepatitis, contact the
Hepatitis Neighborhood: http://www.hepatitisneighborhood.com/