Hepatitis B: What Is It?

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three types of the Hepatitis B: acute, chronic and perinatal. Acute Hepatitis B usually last for less than six months and your body is able to recover completely from it. Chronic Hepatitis B means that your body can’t rid itself of the virus and it may last for a lifetime and potentially leads to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Perinatal Hepatitis B is when the virus is passed from an infected mother to her newborn child.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B may never appear, and if they do it is usually within 12 weeks of acquiring the disease. These symptoms include the following: Symptoms of Hepatitis A include jaundice (yellow eyes and skin), abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

Hepatitis B: How to Prevent It

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a series of vaccinations which can protect against the virus for at least 23 years. Other ways to prevent the disease is know the status of any sexual partners, practice safe sex, use sterile needles, vaccinate before traveling to regions there is a high-risk, and be cautious before accepting transfusions in foreign countries. Also, if you are pregnant, get tested just in case.

Hepatitis B Test: How to Test for It

Hepatitis B can be detected through a very simple blood test. Health Check USA offers a Hepatitis panel test that will detect Hepatitis A, B and C. To ensure accuracy of the panel, HealthCheckUSA.com recommends a ten-hour fast prior to having your blood drawn. However, water and black coffee are permitted during this time. If you have any questions regarding this lab test, please contact one of our representatives.

Hepatitis B: How to Treat It

Once you have realized that you have come into contact for the disease, notify your doctor immediately to receive an injection of Hepatitis B Immune Globulin within 24 hours of contact. Once you have developed Chronic Hepatitis B, there really are limited treatment options. Your doctor may monitor vs. treat. If the doctor decides to treat, there are several antiviral medications you can receive. However, if there is sever liver damage, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Ferritin Screening: What is Ferritin

Ferritin, composed of protein and iron, is the storehouse in the body for iron. The doctor will order this test to determine how much iron your body has stored in reserves for future use. This test is usually ordered because the doctor suspects that you have too little iron or you have too much iron in your body – both of which have health risks.

Ferritin Screening: Low Levels of Ferritin

Low levels of ferritin can indicate several different health issues. They can indicate either anemia, restless leg syndrome, or iron deficiency.

Anemia, indicated by low levels of ferritin, can be caused by low levels of iron or a reduction in iron. Symptoms of anemia include mild skin paleness, less pink in the lips and the nail beds, irritability, fatigue and dizziness with a rapid heartbeat. It is very important to have children showing these symptoms to get tested, according to the Nemours Foundation, as anemia can cause developmental delays and behavioral problems.

Ferritin Screening: High Levels of Ferritin

High levels of ferritin can occur in patients with hemochromatosis, inflammation, liver disease, infection, and certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and leukemia.

Hemochromatosis is an inherited disease found mostly in Caucasians. Hemochromatosis interferes with the body’s ability to get rid of iron. Over time, there is a buildup of iron in the tissues and organs which can lead to the dysfunction and failure of several organs. Complications of this disease can lead to diabetes, heart failure, heart attack, arthritis and cirrhosis of the liver. Discuss with your doctor the ordering of the ferritin test if you are concerned with this genetic disease.

Ferritin Sreening: How It is Done

The ferritin test is a simple sample test completed by drawing blood from the vein in your arm. If you have any questions about this test or any other lab test we offer, please contact one of our health experts.