Hepatitis: Overview
Course Objectives
- Define hepatitis and distinguish between the five major viral types (A–E).
- Identify transmission methods, associated risk factors, and common symptoms of hepatitis.
- Describe diagnostic approaches and interpret the significance of testing for hepatitis.
- Explain effective prevention strategies and infection control practices.
Course Content
Course Creator: Kris Fox, CPT
Total CE Hours: 1 Credit Hour
Pace Course #:586-2221-25
Course Overview:
This article provides an overview of hepatitis—an inflammatory liver condition caused by viral infections, toxins, and other medical conditions. It reviews the five major viral hepatitis types (A, B, C, D, E), emphasizing differences in transmission, disease course, and vaccine availability. Readers will explore risk factors, diagnostic testing, treatment advances, and prevention strategies. Special attention is given to the healthcare worker’s role in reducing transmission risk and supporting patient education. The article equips phlebotomists and other medical professionals with essential knowledge to identify, manage, and prevent the spread of hepatitis in both clinical and community settings.
References
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- (n.d.). Most frequently asked questions concerning the bloodborne pathogens standard. OSHA. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations
- Eaton, E. K. (2022). A Fundamental Guide To Phlebotomy (1st ed.). NHCO-National Healthcare Organization.
- (2025, January 31). Hepatitis C. CDC. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/about/index.html
- (n.d.). Hepatitis C. Harvard Health. Retrieved June 14, 2025, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/hepatitis-c-a-to-z
- (n.d.). Hepatitis Panel. Medline Plus. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hepatitis-panel/
- (2025, April 15). 2023 Viral Hepatitis Surveillance Report. CDC. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-surveillance-2023/about/index.html
- (2025, April 10). Hepatitis D. WHO. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-d
- Varghese, N., Majeed, A., Nyalakonda, S., Boortalary, T., Halegoua-DeMarzio, D., & Hann, H.-W. (2024). Review of Related Factors for Persistent Risk of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers, 16(4), 777. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16040777
- (n.d.). WHO Guidelines On Drawing Blood. WHO. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/44294/9789241599221_eng.pdf
- (n.d.). Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens
- (n.d.). Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B Foundation. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.hepb.org/blog/medical-community-wakes-dangerous-threat-people-hepatitis-b-coinfection-hepatitis-d/
- (2018, November 30). Can You Live Without a Liver? Healthline. Retrieved June 15, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-live-without-liver
