The hepatitis B virus contains DNA. If DNA from the hepatitis B virus is found in your blood sample, then your health professional knows that the virus is multiplying.
- You are highly contagious when HBV DNA is present.
- If you have a long-term (chronic) HBV infection, the presence of high levels of viral DNA means that you are at increased risk for liver damage and may want to consider treatment with medications.
- Testing for the amount of HBV DNA (viral load) is an important way to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for chronic HBV infection.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
| Last Updated | October 15, 2007 |
Author:Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Last Updated: 10/15/2007
