H3 Viral Marker Profile Test

What Is an H3 Viral Marker Profile Test?

The H3 viral marker profile test, or a viral marker test, is a comprehensive blood screening panel that checks for three significant viral infections simultaneously. This test uses a blood sample collected from your arm to detect the presence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The test helps identify these infections early, even when you might not have any symptoms.

What Does the H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Measure?

This viral marker test list examines specific markers in your blood to detect three important viral infections:

• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): Indicates current Hepatitis B infection, whether acute or chronic.
• Hepatitis C Total Antibodies (Anti-HCV): Indicates past or present exposure to the Hepatitis C virus; further testing with HCV RNA PCR confirms active infection.
• HIV p24 Antigen and Antibodies: Detects early infection via p24 antigen and established HIV-1 or HIV-2 infection through specific antibodies.

H3 Viral Marker Profile Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for an H3 Viral Marker Profile Test?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience symptoms that could indicate a viral infection:

• Unexplained fatigue or persistent weakness
• Fever without an identifiable cause
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark-coloured urine
• Upper abdominal pain, especially on the right side
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Joint and muscle pain
• Swollen lymph nodes

Who Should Get an H3 Viral Marker Profile Test?

Several groups of people should consider getting the viral marker test:

• Individuals with symptoms showing signs of viral infection.
• High-risk groups include healthcare workers, people who received blood transfusions before 2002, those with multiple sexual partners, or individuals with a history of injected drug use.
• Pregnant women, as part of routine antenatal care to prevent transmission to babies.
• Pre-surgical patients undergoing major medical procedures.
• People seeking health insurance or employment in certain sectors that require medical clearance.

Why Is an H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Done?

The viral marker test enables early detection of three serious viral infections that can remain silent for years while causing progressive damage to your liver and immune system. It allows timely detection, treatment, and prevention of transmission to others.

Importance of an H3 Viral Marker Profile Test

The viral marker test plays a crucial role in modern healthcare by identifying infections that often show no early symptoms. Early detection allows you to start appropriate treatment before serious complications develop, such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, or AIDS.

The test also helps prevent transmission to family members, partners, and, in the case of pregnant women, their babies (vertical transmission). With effective antiviral treatments now available for all three conditions, timely diagnosis can significantly improve your long-term health outcomes and quality of life.

H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book an H3 Viral Marker Profile Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select 'H3 Viral Marker Profile Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for the H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Available Near You?

Yes, home sample collection for the H3 viral marker test is widely available through Metropolis Healthcare. With our extensive network of over 10,000 touchpoints across India, we ensure accurate sample collection right to your doorstep and reliable results while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety.

How Long Does It Take to Get an H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Report?

Reports are typically available within 8 hours after the sample reaches the lab.

Where Can I See or Get H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Results

What Your H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Results May Indicate

The following table explains what your test results mean for each viral marker:

Conditions That May Affect the H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your viral marker test results and should be discussed with your healthcare provider:

• Biotin supplements (more than 5 mg daily) may interfere with some test methods; wait at least 8 hours after taking biotin before blood collection.
• Very early infection stages may not be detectable, as the body hasn't produced enough antigens or antibodies yet.
• Immunocompromised conditions might affect antibody production, potentially leading to false-negative results.
• Recent blood transfusions or immunoglobulin therapy may temporarily affect antibody levels.
• Certain medications that suppress the immune system might impact test accuracy.

How Is an H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Done?

The test involves a simple blood collection procedure performed by trained professionals:

• A healthcare professional cleans the inside of your elbow with an antiseptic solution.
• An elastic band (tourniquet) is placed around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
• A sterile needle is gently inserted into a vein to collect about 3 ml of blood in a gel vacutainer.
• The needle is removed, and a cotton ball or bandage is applied to prevent bleeding.
• Your blood sample is labelled and sent to our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratory for analysis using advanced immunoassay techniques.

How Should You Prepare for an H3 Viral Marker Profile Test?

Preparing for this test is straightforward with minimal requirements:

• No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Continue regular medications: Take your usual medicines unless specifically advised otherwise by your doctor.
• Stay hydrated: Drink adequate water to make blood collection easier.
• Inform about biotin supplements: If you take high-dose biotin (more than 5 mg daily), avoid it for at least 8 hours before the test.

Diseases that an H3 Viral Marker Profile Test Can Help Detect

This comprehensive screening helps identify several serious viral conditions:

• Hepatitis B infection: Both acute and chronic forms can lead to liver damage.
• Hepatitis C infection: A major cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• HIV infection: Early detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 types before progression to AIDS.
• Co-infections: Concurrent infection with two or more viruses (e.g., HIV and Hepatitis B).
• Chronic viral hepatitis: Long-term liver inflammation that may progress silently.

H3 Viral Marker Profile Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Here are related tests and packages available at Metropolis Healthcare for comprehensive viral screening: