Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For some people, hepatitis B infection becomes chronic, meaning it lasts more than six months. Having chronic hepatitis B increases your risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer or cirrhosis — a condition that causes permanent scarring of the liver.

Most people infected with hepatitis B as adults recover fully, even if their signs and symptoms are severe. HBV can be spread through sexual contact, sharing of needles, accidental needle sticks, and mother-to-child.

Donor requirements for participation:

  • You must be clinically diagnosed by a medical professional. Confirmation of the diagnosis and/or treatment must be verified with your physician.
  • Be pre-screened to determine eligibility.
  • You’re willing to donate plasma through the apheresis process.
  • You must have a photo ID and be able to provide your social security number or proof of citizenship.
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You must weight at least 110 lbs.
  • You must disclose if you have ever been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and/or HIV.

For questions and concerns about requirements or participation, contact us at (833) GO-4-CURE.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, dark urine, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fatigue, yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice).

Treatment

Vaccinations for Hepatitis B exist, however, if you feel as if you’ve come in contact with the virus, receiving an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin within 12 hours of coming in contact with the virus may help protect you from developing hepatitis B, with your physician’s discretion. Acute Hepatitis B may not need treatment- adequate nutrition, fluids, and rest may suffice. Chronic Hepatitis B may require antiviral medications, Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A), or a liver transplant.

This information is not meant for clinical diagnosis, but as an educational resource derived from Mayo Clinic.

Discovering that you have been infected with a disease can be overwhelming with many unanswered questions and concerns. One that may come to mind is “how can I help someone else that may go the same process and struggles that I have experienced?” You can help by becoming a Specialty Antibody donor!

Participating in research allows scientists and clinicians find new treatments, tests and quicker diagnostic methods to improve patient outcomes and, hopefully, prevent the disease from spreading.

Viral hepatitis infection

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Ready to Begin the Qualification Process?

Fill Out the Pre-Screening Form