Health Encyclopedia

Hepatitis virus test or panel

Definition

Hepatitis virus blood tests detect the presence of antibodies to viruses that cause hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. The panel of tests can be used to screen blood samples for more than one kind of hepatitis virus at the same time.

Note: Hepatitis D only causes disease when hepatitis B is present. It is not routinely checked on a hepatitis antibody panel.

Alternative Names

Hepatitis A antibody test; Hepatitis B antibody test; Hepatitis C antibody test; Hepatitis D antibody test

How the test is performed

Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects in a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

How to prepare for the test

No special preparation is needed.

How the test will feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed

You doctor may order this test if you have signs of hepatitis.

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

Normal Values

No presence of antibodies (a negative test) is normal.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

Serology (blood) tests detect the presence of antibodies to each of the hepatitis viruses. Elevated IgM antibody indicates acute hepatitis. Elevated IgG antibody suggests chronic hepatitis.

Positive tests may indicate:

Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis B carrier
Hepatitis A (active infection or recovery from a prior infection)
Hepatitis B (recovery from prior infection, or immunity from Hep B vaccine)
Hepatitis C (chronic carrier of this disease)
Hepatitis D, when found along with hepatitis B

What the risks are

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling light-headed
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Review Date:11/1/2007
Reviewed By:Kenneth M. Wener, M.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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