HEPATITIS B VIRUS GENOTYPING

Precision Medicine for Hepatitis B Treatment

The HBV DNA Genotype Test is an advanced diagnostic tool used to identify the specific "strain" or "family" of the Hepatitis B virus infecting you.

Just as there are different breeds of dogs, there are different strains of the Hepatitis B virus. Scientists have identified 10 distinct genotypes (labeled A through J). While all cause Hepatitis B, they behave differently. Knowing exactly which genotype you have helps your doctor predict how fast the disease might progress and, most importantly, which medicine will work best to treat it.

Why Is This Test Important?

This is not a routine screening test; it is a Treatment Planning Test. Your doctor will order this if you have Chronic Hepatitis B to answer two critical questions:

"Which Drug Should We Use?"

• Certain treatments (specifically Pegylated Interferon) work very well against Genotypes A and B, but poorly against Genotypes C and D.
• Knowing your genotype prevents you from taking a difficult medication that isn't likely to work for you.

"What Is My Risk Level?"

• Some genotypes are more aggressive than others.
• For example, Genotype C is associated with a higher risk of liver scarring (cirrhosis) and liver cancer compared to Genotype B. Knowing this allows for stricter monitoring.