Hepatitis virus test or panel
Key points
- Hepatitis virus blood tests detect the presence of antibodies to viruses that cause the disease hepatitis (inflamation of the liver).
- Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
- When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation.
- These tests are performed to detect infection by hepatitis-causing viruses.
Alternative names
Hepatitis A antibody test; Hepatitis B antibody test; Hepatitis C antibody test; Hepatitis D antibody test
Definition
Hepatitis virus blood tests detect the presence of antibodies to viruses that cause the disease hepatitis (inflamation of the liver). The tests are specific to Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C viruses. A "panel" of tests can be used to screen blood samples for more than one kind of hepatitis virus at the same time.
How the test is performed
Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
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
These tests are performed to detect infection by hepatitis-causing viruses. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Three common viruses can cause hepatitis - the viruses are called Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is usually spread when something contaminated with infected stool is placed in the mouth. It has an incubation period of 2 to 6 weeks.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is most frequently transmitted by blood contact, but can also be transmitted through other body fluids. HBV can cause a severe and unrelenting form of hepatitis ending in liver failure and death. The incidence of HBV is higher among blood transfusion recipients, male homosexuals, dialysis patients, organ transplant patients, and IV drug users. It has a long incubation period (5 weeks to 6 months).
The Hepatitis B virus is made up of an inner core surrounded by an outer capsule. The outer capsule contains a protein called HBsAg (Hep B surface antigen). The inner core contains HBcAg (Hep B core antigen). A third protein called HBeAg is also found within the core. In addition to detecting Hepatitis B virus itself, tests can detect antibodies a patient has made to these antigens. The antibodies are called HBsAb, HBcAb, and HBeAb.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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