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Hepatitis B viral DNA (HBV DNA)

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.
Author Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer W. Thomas London, MD
- Hepatology
Last Updated October 15, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 15, 2007
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