HBV-DNA

HBV-DNA or hepatitis B virus DNA is a measure of the viral load of the hepatitis B virus in the blood. The result is expressed in international units per millilitre (IU/mL), with each unit representing approximately 6 viral particles per millilitre of blood.

A positive HBV-DNA level (greater than 115 copies of the virus per mL [> 20 IU/mL]) indicates that the virus is multiplying in the individual’s body and the person is contagious. The test is most often used to monitor the efficacy of antiviral therapy in individuals with chronic HBV infection.