IVF Viral Screening Blood Test

HIV antibodies are made by the immune system in response to infection with either Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 or 2. P24 antigen is a protein from the core of the HIV virus, it is found during the initial infection with HIV and disappears following seroconversion. This test will look for the presence of HIV antibodies and p24 antigen in the blood and will report whether they are detected or not.

This test measures antibodies against hepatitis B in your blood. It will tell you whether you are immune to hepatitis B or whether you do not have immunity. In most of the population, a result greater than 10 IU/L means that you have sufficient antibodies for immunity. A result less than 10 IU/L means that you are not immune. If you are prone to exposure to hepatitis B through your work (Exposure Prone Procedures a EPP), then you will require a result greater than 100 IU/L to confirm immunity. If your result shows that you have immunity to hepatitis B it means that you are both protected from possible infection and will not pass it on to another person. You can acquire hep B immunity through prior vaccination(s), or by having recovered from a previous infection. This test will not tell you whether you are currently infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is an infectious viral disease which causes your liver to become inflamed and enlarged. Most people recover from an acute hepatitis B infection by themselves within around 6 months. However, for others, the infection becomes chronic (prolonged) which can lead to lasting liver damage. Hepatitis B can have few symptoms, especially in the early stages. People who are at risk of becoming infected with hepatitis B are those who have had close contact with others who are infected (including unprotected sexual contact). Coming into contact with infected blood (e.g. through sharing needles, some contact sports) will also put you at risk of becoming infected with hepatitis B. Health care workers are often required to check their immunity against hep B for work purposes.

Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect and damage the liver. It is mainly transmitted through sharing needles while injecting drugs, through unprotected sex with an infected person and can also be passed from mother to baby. Many who are infected with the virus are unaware as there are often no noticeable symptoms. However, a chronic hepatitis C infection can cause cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) which can lead to chronic liver disease. Hepatitis C antibodies are produced by the body in response to exposure to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Testing for these antibodies in the blood helps to identify a hepatitis C infection.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, spread through sexual contact. Which is important to test for and treat as the infection can cause a range of health problems if left untreated. Antibodies are produced by the immune system when there is an infection in the body. Checking for syphilis specific antibodies in the body helps to identify an infection.

Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) is used as a marker of acute, chronic, or resolved HBV infection, useful in determining a previous exposure to HBV infection. A positive IgM anti-HBc result indicates a recent HBV infection. IgG antibody subclass of anti-HBc is a marker of past infection with HBV.

The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus, present in the blood during a hepatitis B virus infection. Checking for this surface antigen helps to identify acute and chronic HBV infections. Positive surface antigen meaning the virus is present and that the individual is infectious.