Hepatitis A, known as infectious hepatitis A, has been on the rise across the Czech Republic in recent months. The disease is spread mainly by the faecal-oral route, i.e. through contaminated water, food, objects or inadequately washed hands.
The infection often manifests itself in mild, flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, but its course can also be severe, requiring hospitalisation, and in rare cases even life-threatening due to acute liver failure. "Hepatitis A can be very subtle, especially in children and young people. Diagnosis is therefore extremely important - it allows to detect the infection early and prevent its further spread," warns general practitioner Magda Zálešáková, MD.
Availability of vaccination - current situation
Currently, not only the hospital in Horovice and GPs are facing a shortage of hepatitis A vaccines for adults. According to confirmed information from pharmacies, neither hepatitis A vaccines alone nor combined hepatitis A and B vaccines are available. In addition, distributors are currently unable to determine a delivery date. However, the vaccine for children is available in pharmacies.
"We are closely monitoring the vaccine situation. We will inform patients as soon as they are available. Until then, we recommend increased caution, especially when travelling or in contact with risky environments," adds Magda Zálešáková, MD.
Hospital expands diagnostic services
In response to the increasing number of cases of infectious hepatitis A, the hospital has expanded its laboratory services. "The availability of accurate laboratory diagnostics is one of the key steps to respond to the current increasing number of cases across the country. The introduction of hepatitis A testing strengthens the region's preparedness and allows patients to quickly determine if they are at risk of infection," says hospital director Radek Majercin, MD.
Who is the test for?
The test is suitable for anyone who needs to reliably determine whether they have an acute hepatitis A infection or whether they have sufficient antibodies after a previous infection.
- After contact with a person infected with hepatitis A, it is advisable to contact a general practitioner. The incubation period is approximately 15-50 days. However, a person is already infectious 1-2 weeks before the first symptoms appear.
- The test is free of charge if indicated by a doctor and if ordered by the Regional Health Service (KHS) as part of anti-epidemic measures. In other cases, the test can be done for a fee as a self-payment.
"The test can also be recommended as a preventive measure before a planned vaccination to determine the status of immunity to the hepatitis A virus. The detection of the presence of protective antibodies after a previously asymptomatic infection eliminates the need for vaccination," explains the Head of Clinical Laboratories Ing. Monika Malcová.
What the test contains
The offered diagnostic package includes the determination of two types of antibodies:
- Anti-HAV IgM - demonstrates ongoing or recent acute infection.
- Anti-HAV IgG (total) - shows whether you are immune due to a previous illness or vaccination.
"The accuracy of laboratory methods is crucial in the diagnosis of viral hepatitis. In our laboratory, we use proven procedures that meet the highest quality standards and thus declare fast and reliable results that provide doctors with the information necessary for their correct clinical decision," adds RNDr. Zdeňka Váchová, an expert in laboratory methods.
How the examination is carried out
If you suspect a hepatitis A infection, the first step is to contact your GP. He or she will carry out a basic examination, assess your problems and, if necessary, issue a request for laboratory tests. With the request form, you will then go to the collection point at Hořovice Hospital, where your blood will be taken and sent to our laboratory for analysis.
It is also possible to undergo the examination without a request form, as a self-payer. Just come without an appointment to the collection point of Hořovice Hospital, where the staff will provide you with further information. The price of the diagnostic package for self-payers is 720 CZK. You will receive the results by e-mail within 1-2 working days at the latest, in the form of a secured document. We recommend that you consult the results with the attending physician, who will suggest further action if necessary.
Instructions before collection
To ensure the accuracy of the results, we recommend following a few simple rules:
- Come fasting - at least 12 hours without food.
- Avoid fatty foods and alcohol the evening before the collection.
- Do not smoke the morning before the collection.
- Drink about ¼ litre of water or unsweetened tea the morning of the collection.
- If you are taking blood thinners, have allergies, or feel nauseous during the blood draw, tell the nurse at the time of the blood draw.
Modern diagnostics available to the public
Hořovice Hospital has long emphasized the provision of high-quality, safe and quickly accessible laboratory care. The introduction of hepatitis A testing is another step in offering the public expert diagnostics without time delays and contributing to the protection of the health of the entire region.
