· M. Pneumoniae AB IGG, EIA – Mycoplamsa are the smallest of the free-living organisms. M. pneumoniae causes approximately 10-20% of all cases of pneumonia. These pneumonias that can affect otherwise healthy individuals, are commonly referred to as “walking” and “atypical” pneumonias.
· Herpes 1/ 2 IgG HerpeSelect – This test is specifically designed to differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections. A single positive result only indicates previous immunologic exposure and the level of antibody response may not be used to determine test should be repeated in 4-6 weeks when negative or equivocal results are obtained in suspected early Herpes Simplex disease.
· Epstein Barr Virus Panel (EBV) – Primary infection by Epstein - Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis. Infection with Epstein - Barr virus can cause lymphoproliferative disorders including tumors. VCA-IgG appears approximately 10 weeks after initial infection and persists for life.
· Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B Virus is a blood borne pathogen that can lead to chronic hepatitis and liver failure. Core, Antibody IgM may become positive at the onset of symptoms and persist up to one year; with chronic hepatitis it may persist indefinitely. Core, Antibody IgM may be used with HBsAg to diagnose HBV infection. The interpretation of this test result depends on other test confirmation as well.
§ Antigens are markers made by bacteria or viruses. So the presence of HBV antigens means that the virus is in the body.
§ Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to fight infection. The presence of HBV antibodies means that you have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus at some time. But you could have been infected long ago and gotten better, or you may have a current infection.
§ Genetic material (DNA) of the hepatitis B virus shows that the virus is in the body. The amount of DNA can help determine how severe the infection is and how easily the HBV infection can be spread. § It is important to identify the type of hepatitis virus causing infection to prevent its spread and choose the proper treatment.
· Hepatitis C - Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus enters the liver cells, uses the cell's inner genetic machinery to make copies of itself, which then infect more cells. In about 15% of cases, hepatitis C infection is acute, meaning it is cleared spontaneously by the body and there are no long-term consequences. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases (85%), the infection becomes chronic and slowly damages the liver over many years. Over time, this liver damage can lead to cirrhosis (or scarring) of the liver, end-stage liver disease, and liver cancer.
§ Antibody tests - Antibody tests detect the presence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (e.g, the ELISA and RIBA) tests
§ HCV RNA tests - These tests specifically detect the presence of the hepatitis C virus particles. HCV RNA can be detected using several methods. The most common method is reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR.
