Yashoda Hospitals > Diagnostics > Hepatitis E Test

What is a Hepatitis E Test?

Hepatitis E is an acute liver condition that is caused by the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) which causes inflammation in the liver. The Hepatitis E test is a blood test that detects the presence of HEV antibodies. Your immune system will produce antibodies to fight against the hepatitis E virus. Hence, the uses of the hepatitis E blood test include understanding if you are infected currently or have been infected in the recent past. Usually, hospitalisation is not required for Hepatitis E since the disease gets sorted out on its own. However, pregnant women and people with chronic Hepatitis E may require medical treatment. In rare cases, Hepatitis E may lead to acute liver failure.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Hepatitis E test is used to detect the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies specific to the Hepatitis virus in the blood. Your doctor will order this test if you are showing symptoms of hepatitis (liver inflammation) or if you live in an area where new cases of Hepatitis E have been detected.

    If your test results show a presence of hepatitis E antibodies, it usually means that you were, or currently are infected with this virus. IgG Hepatitis E antibodies are usually detectable if you were recently infected, IgM usually shows up in your test results if you were infected a few months ago. If your doctor thinks you may currently have this infection, they may also prescribe an HEV RNA test.

    Your doctor may recommend a Hepatitis E test if you have a slightly enlarged liver (which is caused due to inflammation), and if this symptom is accompanied by jaundice (yellowed skin, dark urine), vomiting, lack of appetite, mild fever, abdominal or joint pain or rashes. Mostly, this test is prescribed if there are already multiple cases in your local area.

    This is a simple blood test; during the test, the nurse or phlebotomist will clean a patch of your skin and insert a needle. They will proceed to draw out a small sample of your blood which will be sent for lab testing. Finally, they will clean the area and may attach a small bandage at the site. The procedure usually lasts less than 5 minutes.

    In most cases, Hepatitis E resolves itself within 2-4 weeks and it does not require serious medications or procedures. In rare cases, people may experience an acute form of the disease which is also called fulminant hepatitis which requires hospitalisation. Hepatitis E may also become a serious issue in people who have compromised immune systems.

    Hepatitis E is caused by the Hepatitis E virus getting into the system, it is transmitted through faecal matter (solid waste/excrement). Usually, this happens when people eat food or drink water that has been contaminated by an infected person's waste. Sometimes it gets transmitted through food (such as pork) that has been undercooked.

    The Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person and is usually a lifelong infection. Hepatitis E is transmitted through faecal matter and is typically not a lifelong disease.

    Cirrhosis is a condition where liver cells are damaged, with liver tissue inflammation and thickening being common. Hepatitis E usually does not cause liver cirrhosis, and only rarely results in acute liver disease. It is also only rarely the cause of chronic infection.

    The Hepatitis E virus belongs to the Hepatitis family of viruses (that includes A, B, D, D viruses). It is an icosahedral (having 20 sides) RNA virus that is single-stranded and nonenveloped.

    Both Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through faecal matter or contaminated food/water. They also share similar symptoms like jaundice, loss of appetite nausea and abdominal pain. Both these infections typically do not require hospitalisation. 

     

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