H3 Viral marker profile (HIV, HbsAg, HCV)

H3 profile blood test is often done as a pre-operative test, antenatal care rest or post needle stick injury or an exposure to body fluid from a suspected case. This test is not done babies and children, up to 2 years, born to HIV positive mothers

The H3 Viral Marker Profile by CLIA - Serum test is done to:

• Detect HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses in patients.
• Confirm whether the patient has been exposed to any viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
• To monitor the progression of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infection.
• To screen an individual who has not previously been tested but is suspected to be infected with one of these viruses.
• The H3 Viral Marker Profile test is done to detect HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections in patients, confirm whether the patient has been exposed to any of the viruses, and monitor the progression of the HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections

During H3 profile blood test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

The H3 Viral Marker Profile HIV, HBsAg, and HCV tests are performed by taking a blood sample from the patient. A tourniquet is firmly fastened on the upper arm and the patient is asked to make a fist. This fills the vein with blood. Next, a needle is inserted post-sterilization of the skin and a blood sample is collected in a vacutainer. The sample is tested for antibodies of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C and analyzed in a laboratory.

HIV duo (antigen and antibody test) reactive patient should be tested by two methods which have either different antigen or different method of detection. In an asymptomatic patient all three test should be reactive to diagnose a patient as HIV reactive.
HIV duo negative test could mean that patient has been exposed recently or in not exposed. Test should be repeated after 2 weeks to confirm status in case patient is suspected of exposure to HIV.
HIV RNA PCR can be done to diagnose patients as early as 7 days of exposure.
HCV antibody detected: Patient has been exposed to HCV. To confirm acute infection HCV RNA PCR is recommended
HCV antibody not detected: Patient has not been exposed to HCV or the exposure has happened in near past and antibodies have not developed yet
HBsAg detected, patient is considered to be infected results. To avoid false positive a HBs Ag- conformation is advisable.
HBs Ag not detected may result if patient is in the 'window period' or early on in the infection; in such a case Anti HBc IgM or HBV DNA detection may help diagnose the condition.
Persistence of HBsAg is associated with chronic infection. Presence longer than 6 months after initial exposure indicates chronic infection.

The H3 Viral Marker Profile by CLIA-Serum Test results for HIV, HCV and HBsAg are as follows:

HIV duo-reactive: Requires two tests with different antigens or different detection methods to diagnose.

HIV duo-negative: This could indicate recent exposure or no exposure. Repeat the test in two weeks to confirm. Early diagnosis can be done with RNA PCR 7 days after exposure.

HCV antibody detected: Patient is exposed. Use HCV RNA PCR to confirm acute infection.

HCV antibody not detected: Patient not infected or antibodies have not developed yet.

HBsAg detected: Patient believed to be infected. Confirmation is needed to prevent false positives. Persistence of HBsAg over 6 months indicates chronic infection.

HBsAg not detected: This could mean that the patient is in the window period or early infection stage. Anti-HBc IgM or HBV DNA detection may confirm the result.

The test measures Hepatitis B surface antigen (Hbs Ag), Hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV ab), HIV antibody and P24 antigen of HIV.

This is a blood test and requires no specific preparation. However, if you are taking any medications, please inform your doctor before the test.

Both hepatitis B and C are viral liver infections caused by distinct viruses.

• The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B, which is transmitted by contact with contaminated blood or bodily fluids.
• The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes hepatitis C, which is transmitted by contact with contaminated blood.

Both may cause severe liver damage, but hepatitis C has a higher chance of becoming chronic and leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

RNA PCR testing is a type of test used to detect the presence of virus RNA. PCR amplifies the virus's genetic material, allowing it to be detected even in very small amounts. This type of test is highly accurate and is used to diagnose active infections and monitor treatment progress.

The following people should do the H3 Viral Marker Profile test:

• Patients who are suspected of being infected with any one of the three viruses.
• Patients who have been exposed to one of the viruses.
• Individuals who are pregnant.
• Medical care providers caring for patients who are suspected to be infected or have been exposed to one of the viruses.

A blood test for the H3 profile is frequently performed before surgery, as part of antenatal care, following a needle stick injury. Babies and young children of HIV-positive moms should not do this test up to the age of two.

References:

https://www.metropolisindia.com/parameter/h3-viral-marker-profile-hiv-hbsag-hcv

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EBZn0BgULluMMaZi32IDkMuFzRuEBLT5/edit#gid=1053131867

apollodiagnostics.in/test/hiv-duo-antigen-and-antibody#:~:text=This%20HIV%20DUO%20test%20helps,only%20looked%20for%20HIV%20antibodies

https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/faq/what-p24-antigen

https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/hiv-rna-test#takeaway

https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/diagnosis/hbv-blood-tests/

• H3 Viral Marker Profile HIV, HBsAg, HCV
• H3 Profile Blood Test
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
• Hepatitis C Virus