Description

About the Hepatitis B Test

Get tested for Hepatitis B in the comfort of your own home with the Basic Benefits at-home hepatitis B test kit. Like Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B (Hep B) is a liver infection. It is caused by a virus that occurs in the blood.

Includes 1 Hep B test kit, and pre-addressed return envelope (Postage Paid)

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is often classified as either “acute” or “chronic.” Both types are caused by an infection of the Hepatitis B virus.

Acute Hepatitis B

Acute Hep B typically happens within 6 months after being infected. If not treated early, it can develop into chronic Hep B. However, progressing from acute to chronic Hep B depends on age.

Acute Hep B can cause symptoms like:

• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Tiredness
• Pain in muscles, joints, and stomach

Chronic Hepatitis B

Chronic Hep B typically develops after being infected with acute Hep B. This infection can last much longer and perhaps the rest of one’s lifetime. Chronic Hep B causes more serious health problems such as:

• Liver cancer
• Liver damage

These health problems are treatable but can be fatal if left untreated. Luckily, vaccination for Hep B is routine among U.S. children and cases tend to be rare.

Why should I get tested for Hepatitis B?

If you are an adult, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor or immunization records if you’ve already been vaccinated or should get vaccinated. Often, people infected with Hepatitis B do not show symptoms. If not treated early, Hep B can lead to serious health consequences.

The good news is Hepatitis B can be prevented and treated when taking the proper steps like at home Hep B testing. You may be tested for Hepatitis B if you also plan to start taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). As part of the PrEP therapy protocol, Hep B is one of several tests performed to determine if a person can start taking PrEP.

Why should I test for Hep B before starting PrEP?

Before starting on PrEP, Hep B is one of several tests you will need to do. PrEP is a daily pill for people that are HIV negative. One of the reasons Hep B is tested before taking PrEP is because PrEP is also active against Hep B as well as HIV. There are some circumstances that may worsen Hep B symptoms. Your Healthcare provider can further explain these situations.