BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuHepatitis virus panelHepatitis A antibody test; Hepatitis B antibody test; Hepatitis C antibody test; Hepatitis D antibody testThe hepatitis virus panel is a series of blood tests used to detect current or past infection by hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. It can screen blood samples for more than one kind of hepatitis virus at the same time.Hepatitis AHepatitis A is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the liver from the hepatitis A virus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis BHepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis CHepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include:Hepatitis AHepatitis BHepat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Antibody and antigen tests can detect each of the different hepatitis viruses.AntibodyAntibody titer is a laboratory test that measures the level of antibodies in a blood sample.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AntigenAn antigen is any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it. This means your immune system does not recognize the su...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Note: Hepatitis D only causes disease in people who also have hepatitis B. It is not routinely checked in a hepatitis antibody panel. How the Test is Performed Blood is most often drawn from a vein 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 provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed. 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 into a small glass tube, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.The blood sample is sent to a lab to be examined. Blood (serology) tests are used to check for antibodies to each of the hepatitis viruses. How to Prepare for the Test No special preparation is needed. How the Test will Feel Some people feel moderate pain when the needle is inserted to draw blood. Others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, you may feel some throbbing. Why the Test is Performed Your provider may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of hepatitis. It is used to:Detect current or previous hepatitis infection Determine how contagious a person with hepatitis is Monitor a person who is being treated for hepatitis The test may be performed for other conditions, such as:Chronic persistent hepatitis Hepatitis D (delta agent) Hepatitis D (delta agent)Hepatitis D is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (previously called the Delta agent). It causes symptoms only in people who also hav...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nephrotic syndrome Nephrotic syndromeNephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms and abnormal test results that include protein in the urine, low blood protein levels in the blood, high ch...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cryoglobulinemia Porphyria cutanea tarda Erythema multiforme and nodosum Normal Results A normal result means no hepatitis antibodies or antigens are found in the blood sample. This is called a negative result.AntibodiesAn antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal value ranges may vary slightly depending on the lab doing the test. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. What Abnormal Results Mean There are different tests for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. A positive test is considered abnormal.A positive test may mean:You currently have a hepatitis infection. This may be a new infection (acute hepatitis), or it may be an infection that you have had for a long time (chronic hepatitis). ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You had a hepatitis infection in the past, but you no longer have the infection and can't spread it to others. Hepatitis A test results:IgM anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies, you have had a recent infection with hepatitis A Total (IgM and IgG) antibodies to hepatitis A, you have a recent, or past infection, or immunity to hepatitis A Hepatitis B test results:Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): you have an active hepatitis B infection, either recent or chronic (long-term) Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc), you have a recent or past hepatitis B infection Antibody to HBsAg (Anti-HBs): you have a past hepatitis B infection or you have received the hepatitis B vaccine and are unlikely to become infected Hepatitis B type e antigen (HBeAg): you have a hepatitis B infection and you are more likely to spread the infection to others through sexual contact or by sharing needles Antibodies to hepatitis C can most often be detected 4 to 10 weeks after you get the infection. Other types of tests may be done to decide on treatment and monitor the hepatitis C infection. Risks Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken) Open ReferencesReferences Daniels l, Khalili M, Goldstein E, Bluth MH, Bowne WB, Pincus MR. Evaluation of liver function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 22.Pawlotsky J-M. Acute viral hepatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 139.Pawlotsky J-M. Chronic viral and autoimmune hepatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 140.AllVideoImagesTogBlood test - illustration Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.Blood testillustrationHepatitis B virus - illustration Hepatitis B is also known as serum hepatitis and is spread through blood and sexual contact. It is seen with increased frequency among intravenous drug users who share needles and among the homosexual population. This photograph is an electronmicroscopic image of hepatitis B virus particles. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)Hepatitis B virusillustrationErythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands - illustration Erythema multiforme lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). Target lesions may also be associated with other medical conditions such as herpes infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or as a reaction to chemicals or medications.Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - handsillustrationBlood test - illustration Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.Blood testillustrationHepatitis B virus - illustration Hepatitis B is also known as serum hepatitis and is spread through blood and sexual contact. It is seen with increased frequency among intravenous drug users who share needles and among the homosexual population. This photograph is an electronmicroscopic image of hepatitis B virus particles. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)Hepatitis B virusillustrationErythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands - illustration Erythema multiforme lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). Target lesions may also be associated with other medical conditions such as herpes infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or as a reaction to chemicals or medications.Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - handsillustrationA Closer Look Hepatitis - InDepth(In-Depth) Tests for Hepatitis virus panel Hepatitis virus panelAntinuclear antibody panelRelated Information Hepatitis(Condition)Hepatitis A(Condition)Hepatitis B(Condition)Hepatitis C(Condition)Antigen(Special Topic)Chronic(Special Topic)Hepatitis D (Delta agent)(Condition)Nephrotic syndrome(Condition)Hepatitis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 11/3/2022 Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. 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Hepatitis virus panelHepatitis A antibody test; Hepatitis B antibody test; Hepatitis C antibody test; Hepatitis D antibody testThe hepatitis virus panel is a series of blood tests used to detect current or past infection by hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. It can screen blood samples for more than one kind of hepatitis virus at the same time.Hepatitis AHepatitis A is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the liver from the hepatitis A virus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis BHepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis CHepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include:Hepatitis AHepatitis BHepat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Antibody and antigen tests can detect each of the different hepatitis viruses.AntibodyAntibody titer is a laboratory test that measures the level of antibodies in a blood sample.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AntigenAn antigen is any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it. This means your immune system does not recognize the su...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Note: Hepatitis D only causes disease in people who also have hepatitis B. It is not routinely checked in a hepatitis antibody panel. How the Test is Performed Blood is most often drawn from a vein 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 provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed. 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 into a small glass tube, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.The blood sample is sent to a lab to be examined. Blood (serology) tests are used to check for antibodies to each of the hepatitis viruses. How to Prepare for the Test No special preparation is needed. How the Test will Feel Some people feel moderate pain when the needle is inserted to draw blood. Others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, you may feel some throbbing. Why the Test is Performed Your provider may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of hepatitis. It is used to:Detect current or previous hepatitis infection Determine how contagious a person with hepatitis is Monitor a person who is being treated for hepatitis The test may be performed for other conditions, such as:Chronic persistent hepatitis Hepatitis D (delta agent) Hepatitis D (delta agent)Hepatitis D is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (previously called the Delta agent). It causes symptoms only in people who also hav...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nephrotic syndrome Nephrotic syndromeNephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms and abnormal test results that include protein in the urine, low blood protein levels in the blood, high ch...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cryoglobulinemia Porphyria cutanea tarda Erythema multiforme and nodosum Normal Results A normal result means no hepatitis antibodies or antigens are found in the blood sample. This is called a negative result.AntibodiesAn antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens. Examples of antigens include micr...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Normal value ranges may vary slightly depending on the lab doing the test. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. What Abnormal Results Mean There are different tests for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. A positive test is considered abnormal.A positive test may mean:You currently have a hepatitis infection. This may be a new infection (acute hepatitis), or it may be an infection that you have had for a long time (chronic hepatitis). ChronicChronic refers to something that continues over an extended period of time. A chronic condition is usually long-lasting and does not easily or quick...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You had a hepatitis infection in the past, but you no longer have the infection and can't spread it to others. Hepatitis A test results:IgM anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies, you have had a recent infection with hepatitis A Total (IgM and IgG) antibodies to hepatitis A, you have a recent, or past infection, or immunity to hepatitis A Hepatitis B test results:Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): you have an active hepatitis B infection, either recent or chronic (long-term) Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc), you have a recent or past hepatitis B infection Antibody to HBsAg (Anti-HBs): you have a past hepatitis B infection or you have received the hepatitis B vaccine and are unlikely to become infected Hepatitis B type e antigen (HBeAg): you have a hepatitis B infection and you are more likely to spread the infection to others through sexual contact or by sharing needles Antibodies to hepatitis C can most often be detected 4 to 10 weeks after you get the infection. Other types of tests may be done to decide on treatment and monitor the hepatitis C infection. Risks Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling lightheaded Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken) Open ReferencesReferences Daniels l, Khalili M, Goldstein E, Bluth MH, Bowne WB, Pincus MR. Evaluation of liver function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 22.Pawlotsky J-M. Acute viral hepatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 139.Pawlotsky J-M. Chronic viral and autoimmune hepatitis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 140.