Hepatitis Panel, Acute
CPT Code(s):
80074
Turnaround Time:
24 - 48 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Sodium Citrate plasma; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
2 hours
Refrigerated:
6 days
Frozen:
90 days
Clinical Significance
Hepatitis Panel holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing a patient's exposure to different hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. It is a comprehensive test panel that combines various markers and antibodies to provide a comprehensive evaluation of a patient's hepatitis status.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Hepatitis Panel include:
1. Screening for Hepatitis Infections: The test panel is used to screen individuals for hepatitis infections, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. It helps identify individuals who may have been exposed to these viruses and require further evaluation and management.
2. Differential Diagnosis: Hepatitis Panel aids in differentiating between various hepatitis infections. It includes markers such as hepatitis A antibodies (IgM and IgG), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibodies (IgM and IgG), and hepatitis C antibodies. By analyzing the pattern of these markers, healthcare providers can determine the specific type of hepatitis infection and guide appropriate management.
3. Acute and Chronic Infection Differentiation: The test panel helps differentiate between acute and chronic hepatitis infections. For example, the presence of IgM antibodies against hepatitis A or hepatitis B core antigen indicates acute infection, while the persistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) beyond six months suggests chronic hepatitis B infection.
4. Monitoring Disease Progression: Serial measurements of hepatitis markers in the panel can help monitor disease progression and treatment response in individuals with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infections. Changes in marker levels over time provide valuable information on the course of the disease and guide treatment decisions.
5. Pre-Travel Assessment: Hepatitis Panel is often performed as part of pre-travel evaluations for individuals planning to visit regions with a high prevalence of hepatitis infections. It helps assess the need for vaccination or preventive measures based on the patient's hepatitis status.
6. Public Health Surveillance: The test panel plays an essential role in public health surveillance programs for monitoring the prevalence and incidence of hepatitis infections within a community or population. The data obtained from the panel aids in identifying trends, evaluating the impact of prevention strategies, and implementing targeted interventions.
It is important to note that Hepatitis Panel does not include markers for all possible hepatitis viruses and variants. Additional testing may be necessary to evaluate other hepatitis viruses, such as hepatitis D and hepatitis E.
In summary, Hepatitis Panel is specifically used for screening, differential diagnosis, and monitoring of hepatitis infections. It helps identify the specific hepatitis virus involved, differentiates between acute and chronic infections, monitors disease progression, and guides treatment decisions. The test panel contributes to public health surveillance efforts and assists in implementing preventive measures and targeted interventions to reduce the burden of hepatitis infections.