Why is this procedure done?
Hepatitis is a disease that harms the liver. It is caused by a virus that can damage or destroy your liver. There are different kinds of hepatitis. The most common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. How the virus spreads is based on what kind of hepatitis it is. Some are spread through infected water or food. Sharing needles or having unprotected sex puts you at a higher risk for some kinds of hepatitis. Some kinds are spread by contact with someone who has an infection. You may have to be in contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person to get this illness. Hepatitis can be a serious illness. ‚
The doctor may order a hepatitis panel: ‚
- Because you have signs of hepatitis.
- If you are at high risk for getting hepatitis.
- To check how well your treatment is working.
- To go along with other tests to check how well your liver is working.
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have an active hepatitis infection. It may also show that you need more tests to find out if you have had a hepatitis infection in the past.
- Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about a diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
- Your doctor may suggest you take a vaccine.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may be able to go back to your everyday activities when you leave. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hepatitis-panel/tab/glance/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚