Hepatitis B and C are “silent” viral infections — most people don’t know they have them until significant liver damage has occurred. Knowing your status through Hepatitis B and C screening in Dhaka is the single most important step you can take for your long-term liver health.
What are Hepatitis B and C?
Both are viral infections that attack the liver:
- Hepatitis B (HBV): Spread through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to baby at birth. Bangladesh has one of the highest HBV prevalence rates in South Asia (~5–7%).
- Hepatitis C (HCV): Primarily blood-borne (shared needles, unsterilized medical equipment, blood transfusions pre-1992). Currently no vaccine exists for HCV, but it is now curable.
Why Most People Have No Symptoms
The liver is a remarkably resilient organ. In chronic Hepatitis B and C, the virus can silently damage the liver for 10–30 years before symptoms appear. By the time jaundice, ascites (fluid in abdomen), or liver failure develops, significant irreversible damage may already have occurred.
Who Should Get Tested?
You should get screened for Hepatitis B and C if you:
- Have never been tested before (everyone should know their status at least once)
- Were born to a mother with Hepatitis B
- Received a blood transfusion before 1992
- Have had dental procedures, tattooing, or injections with potentially unsterile equipment
- Have multiple sexual partners or are in a new relationship
- Are a healthcare worker
- Have a family member with chronic hepatitis
- Are planning pregnancy (Hep B can be transmitted to baby at birth)
- Have elevated liver enzymes on a routine blood test
What Does the Test Involve?
A simple blood test is all that’s needed:
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): Detects active HBV infection
- Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody): Checks immunity (from vaccine or past infection)
- Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C Antibody): Screens for HCV exposure; confirmed with HCV RNA PCR
What Happens If You Test Positive?
Hepatitis B:
- Further tests: HBeAg, HBV DNA viral load, liver function tests, FibroScan
- Not all Hep B carriers need antiviral treatment — your hepatologist decides based on viral load and liver damage
- Vaccination of close family contacts
- Regular monitoring every 6 months even if not on treatment
Hepatitis C:
- Modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) tablets can cure HCV in 8–12 weeks with >95% success rates
- Treatment is now affordable and available in Bangladesh
Screening at Farazy Hospital
Farazy Hospital offers affordable Hepatitis B and C screening as part of standard blood packages or as standalone tests. Results are available the same day for most tests. Our hepatology specialists provide counseling and management plans for positive cases.
📞 Book your liver screening: 01777-317772 | Banasree, Dhaka 1219
