Difference Between Hepatitis B And C, Where To Get Tested In Kano State-Boodcheck

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Before we look at the differences that exist between Hepatitis B & C and where to get tested, let us first dive into what Hepatitis is all about.

Hepatitis is simply inflammation of the liver. As a vital organ of the body, the main functions of the liver include; processing of nutrients, fighting of infections and filtering the blood. Now the problem is that when the liver is inflamed or damaged, it affects its proper functioning.

Causes of Hepatitis

Hepatitis can be caused by heavy alcohol use, certain drugs, liver failure, liver transplants, toxins, some medications, toxins, some diseases, bacterial and viral infections.

What is common between Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

Hepatitis B also called (HBV) and Hepatitis C also known as (HCV) are both caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the liver called “Hepatitis”.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a type of contagious viral infection liver disease that can range in severity from a mild infection, lasting several weeks to a long-term lifelong illness. In another way, it can be said that Hepatitis B can be either “acute” or “chronic”. Acute in the sense that the viral infection lasts for weeks but not more than six (6) months, while it can be said to be acute, when the Hepatitis B infection remains in a person’s body for longer than six months and by so doing is capable of causing permanent damage.

It is important to note that Hepatitis B vaccine exists that are used to prevent the infection. This vaccine has being certified safe, effective, and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The vaccine is usually given as 3-4 shots over a 6-month period. This vaccine stimulates a person’s natural immune system. As a result, the body creates antibodies that protect against the Hepatitis B virus.

Source of contracting Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can be transmitted or caught when body fluids such as blood, semen, and vaginal fluid infected with the HBV enters the body of an uninfected person.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C has the potential of becoming a more serious viral infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unlike Hepatitis B whose risk of becoming a chronic infection as an adult is 6%-10%, chances of a Hepatitis C developing into a chronic infection significantly increases to a 75%-85%. Moreover, preventative vaccination against the Hepatitis C virus does not exist. Once you contract the Hepatitis C virus it is more likely (a 75%-85% chance) that your body will not be able to get rid of it, potentially leading to liver complications throughout your lifetime.

Source of contracting Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C is most commonly caught or spread when blood infected with HCV enters the body of an uninfected person. The most common mode of transmission for Hepatitis C is through the sharing of needles, syringes, other equipment used to inject drugs, and needle stick injuries in health care settings.

How Hepatitis B test is conducted

The Hepatitis B test only requires a small blood sample. This test looks for the antigens on the surface of the HBV. Although the test can be taken 3 weeks post-exposure to the virus, it is recommended to wait at least 4-6 weeks to get tested.

How Hepatitis C test is conducted

The Hepatitis C Virus Antibody test searches for antibodies to the HCV, and is also a blood test. The waiting period for this test is 8-9 weeks in order for your body to fully develop detectable antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus.

Where to get tested for Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV)

At Boodcheck International Laboratory, we offer various types of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) tests such as Urgent and Vidas.

We stand out as a Turkish Laboratory in Nigeria because we offer FREE Home/office sample collections based on our patients needs and also all test results can be accessed online 24/7 via our website Boodcheck after being approved by our chief Laboratory scientist.

To contact us at Boodcheck, simply call/whatsapp 07062017447 or chat with us using the chat Icon on our website.

On a final note; Hepatitis has the potential to become chronic, severe, and long-term infection, if left untreated. It is important to get tested for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

Thank you for reading.