Acute Viral Hepatitis Panel

Authors: Drew Dismukes, MHA, MLS(ASCP) and Kevin F. Foley, PhD, DABCC, MLS(ASCP)SC
Reviewer: Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM
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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: 1 hour(s)

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours

Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE - General (Serology/Immunology): 1 hour(s)

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This course provides a review of the acute hepatitis panel. This includes the tests involved, their methodologies, and how their results are interpreted. The course also provides a greater understanding of the Hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, including their respective infection routes, treatment, prognosis, population at risk, and symptoms. At the end of the course, a look at the potential future of hepatitis testing is reviewed.

Objectives

  • State reasons and indications for hepatitis testing.
  • List the common causes of acute hepatitis.
  • Discuss testing methods used for the evaluation of hepatitis infection and how results are interpreted.

Course Outline

  • Acute Hepatitis
    • Acute Hepatitis Statistics
    • Acute Hepatitis Panel
  • Patient Exhibiting Symptoms
    • Purpose of the Acute Hepatitis Panel
    • Symptoms Typical of Acute Hepatitis
    • A common acute hepatitis panel assesses which of the following infections?
    • Which of the following sets of laboratory results is most consistent with acute hepatitis?
  • Common Causes of Acute Hepatitis
    • Hepatitis A
      • Hepatitis A Overview
      • Hepatitis A Virus Prognosis and Treatment
    • Hepatitis B
      • Hepatitis B Overview
      • Risk Factors for Hepatitis B
      • Acute Hepatitis B Virus Prognosis
      • Chronic Hepatitis B Prognosis
      • Hepatitis B Treatment
    • Hepatitis C
      • Hepatitis C Overview
      • Hepatitis C Prognosis
      • Hepatitis C Treatment
    • Other Causes of Hepatitis
      • Other Hepatitis Viruses
    • Ungraded Practice Questions
      • Which hepatitis virus is self-limiting and typically subsides in several weeks?
      • Chronic HBV is most prevalent in which patient population?
    • Acute Viral Hepatitis Panel
      • Overview of the Acute Viral Hepatitis Panel
    • Testing Methods
      • Immunoassay
      • Enzyme Immunoassays
      • Chemiluminescent Immunoassays
    • Hepatitis A IgM Ab
      • Assay and Interpretation
    • Hepatitis B Assays
      • Hepatitis B Assays
    • Hepatitis B Assay Interpretations
      • Interpretation of Hepatitis B Assays
      • If both HBsAg and HBc IgM are positive, what form of hepatitis does the patient have?
      • True or False: A reactive HBc IgM assay is suggestive of acute HBV.
    • Hepatitis C Ab
      • Interpretation of HCV Results
      • Interpretation of HCV Results, continued
    • Future of Hepatitis Testing
      • Efforts to Lower Hepatitis Rates
      • Future of Hepatitis Testing
      • Future of Hepatitis Testing, continued
      • Conclusion
    • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, laboratory supervisors, and laboratory managers. This course is also appropriate for MLS and MLT students and pathology residents.
Author Information:
Drew Dismukes, MHA, MLS(ASCP) has over ten years of experience as a medical laboratory scientist, and charge tech. He currently works at Parkwest Memorial Center. Drew holds a BS in Clinical Lab Science from the University of South Alabama and a MHA from Bellevue University.
Kevin F. Foley, PhD, DABCC, MLS(ASCP)SC is the director of clinical pathology for the Kaiser Permanente Northwest region. He also teaches clinical chemistry at Oregon Health Sciences University. Dr. Foley earned his PhD in clinical pharmacology and toxicology at East Carolina School of Medicine in North Carolina. He received a PhD in clinical pharmacology and toxicology from Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC. He has been working in laboratory medicine for over 15 years, starting his career as a medical technologist.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information:
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.