Hepatitis B - DNA Viral Load TEST

This blood test measures the amount of hepatitis B virus DNA (or viral load) in the blood of chronically infected patients. The blood is tested using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique that is highly sophisticated and accurate. A positive HBV-DNA level (greater than 115 copies of the virus per mL [> 20 IU/mL]) indicates that the virus is multiplying in the individual's body and the person is contagious. The test is most often used to monitor the efficacy of antiviral therapy in individuals with chronic HBV infection.