What does a quantitative HBV DNA level of less than 40 copies/ml indicate?

Sep 26, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Haiying

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, hepatitis B virus refers to hepatitis B DNA. A quantitative level of hepatitis B virus DNA below 40 copies/ml indicates a relatively low viral load. This suggests that the virus is not actively replicating in the body. As long as liver function and ultrasound results are normal, a low viral load means the individual is merely a virus carrier and is not infectious.

In general, the hepatitis B virus refers to hepatitis B DNA. A quantitative result of hepatitis B virus DNA below 40 copies/ml indicates that the current viral load is relatively low. The details are as follows:

When the quantitative test for hepatitis B virus DNA is below 40 copies/ml, it means the amount of hepatitis B virus in the body is below the minimum detection level, indicating that the virus is not actively replicating. If liver function and ultrasound results are normal under such low viral load conditions, the individual is considered merely a virus carrier and is not contagious.

Patients are advised to have regular follow-up tests for liver function and the hepatitis B panel (five-item test), closely monitoring changes in liver function and viral load. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet, regular lifestyle habits, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol are recommended as healthy lifestyle practices.

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Is a quantitative test result of 2.48E+4 for hepatitis B virus DNA severe?

The result of quantitative detection of hepatitis B virus nucleic acid is 2.48E+4, indicating a hepatitis B virus load of 24,800 cps/ml. The normal value is less than 1,000 cps/ml, so this result suggests active viral replication and strong infectivity. If the individual is in the phase of infection, the condition is generally not severe; however, if chronic hepatitis B has already developed, the condition may be more serious.