Laboratory Diagnosis and Monitoring Tests for Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem worldwide, including Thailand. HBV  infection   can  be  chronic  and  put  infected  individuals  at  high  risk  of  death from  cirrhosis and  hepatocellular carcinoma. Although effective HBV vaccines  have been commercially available, a number of people still get HBV infection. Most of the cases are unaware of the infection. As HBV infection  is usually asymptomatic, laboratory testing is thus needed for screening and diagnosis. Accuracy  of laboratory diagnosis is beneficial for management of HBV infection. Appropriate treatment could delay a transition from HBV infected state to liver disease progression and  the control of viral spreading to susceptible  individuals.  This  review article provides  natural  history  of HBV infection, specimen collection, laboratory diagnostic and monitoring  tests  which  are  currently used  and  result   interpretation, The  combination  of diagnostic tests and clinical information helps to achieve ultimate accuracy  of the diagnosis and monitoring. This benefits the HBV infected  individuals for life long longevity  living.