Hepatitis A, B, and C Blood Tests

What are hepatitis A, B, and C blood tests?

Hepatitis is a general term that means inflammation of the liver. Infection with hepatitis A, B, or C can cause inflammation. These 3 forms of hepatitis are caused by different viruses. The blood tests described here help determine if hepatitis is caused by one of these viruses.

Why are these tests done?

There are many possible causes of hepatitis. These blood tests help determine if hepatitis A, B, or C viruses are the cause.

How do I prepare for this test?

You don't need to take any special precautions or change your diet before you have this test.

How is the test done?

A small amount of blood is taken from your arm with a needle. The blood is collected in tubes and sent to a lab.

Having this test will take just a few minutes of your time.

How will I get the test result?

Ask your healthcare provider when and how you will get the result of your test.

What do the test results mean?

The results of the various hepatitis blood tests are summarized below. These tests are divided into two groups. The first group tests for the presence of the virus in the blood. These are called antigen tests. The second group tests for the body's reaction to the infection. These are called antibody tests.

• Hepatitis A infection: A positive HAV antigen test and a positive IgM anti-HAV antibody test mean you currently have an acute hepatitis A infection. If you have had hepatitis in the past, your antigen test will be negative, but the antibody test will be positive.
• Hepatitis B infection: A positive HBsAg antigen test and a positive IgM anti-HBc antibody test mean you currently have an acute hepatitis B infection. If you have had hepatitis for 6 months or more (chronic hepatitis), the antigen test will be positive but the IgM anti-HBc antibody test will be negative. If you have had shots to protect you against hepatitis, the antigen test will be negative.
• Hepatitis C infection: A positive anti-HCV antibody test means you currently have or have previously had an acute hepatitis C infection. To check for new infection, an HCV RNA test is done to measure the amounts of hepatitis C virus in the blood. If these tests stay positive for several months, the disease is said to be chronic. In other words, your body wasn't able to completely clear the infection. Because this test also measures the amount of virus in your blood, it can be used to see how well your treatment is working.

What if my test result is not normal?

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your medical history and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your healthcare provider about your result and ask questions.

If your test results are not normal, ask your healthcare provider:

• if you need additional tests
• when you need to be tested again.