Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (venipuncture)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Helps evaluate suspected acute hepatitis A, B, and C infections
- Measures key hepatitis markers in a single blood panel
- No doctor's visit required - Order confidentially online without an office visit
- Fast results - Get answers within 2–3 business days
- Supports timely diagnosis and treatment decisions
- Peace of mind through confidential, professional testing
Who Is This Test For?
- People with symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, or pale stools
- Anyone with possible recent hepatitis exposure through blood or intimate contact
- Individuals with elevated liver enzymes and symptoms of liver disease
- Healthcare workers and first responders after a possible occupational exposure
- People at increased risk for viral hepatitis based on medical history or lifestyle factors
- Anyone whose healthcare provider suspects acute viral hepatitis
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and choose a convenient lab location.
- Visit the lab - Complete a quick blood draw.
- Get results - View your secure, confidential results online within 2–3 business days.
FAQ
What does this test detect? This panel helps evaluate recent or acute hepatitis A, B, and C infections by measuring specific hepatitis antibodies and antigens in your blood.
How accurate is this test? Modern hepatitis blood tests are highly accurate when performed at the appropriate time after exposure. Results should always be interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history, and any additional testing your healthcare provider recommends.
Can I eat before the test? Yes, no fasting is required for hepatitis testing.
What if my results are positive? Positive results may indicate a recent or current hepatitis infection or previous exposure, depending on the marker detected. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing to confirm the diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment.
How soon after exposure can I test? Hepatitis markers typically appear 1-10 weeks after exposure, with some detectable as early as 6-8 weeks.
Is this test confidential? Yes, all results are delivered securely and privately through our patient portal.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Hepatitis Blood Test Panel, Acute, helps evaluate recent or acute infections caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The panel measures hepatitis-specific antibodies and antigens that aid in the evaluation of viral hepatitis in people with compatible symptoms or suspected recent exposure.
The panel includes testing for:
- Hepatitis A IgM antibody
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Hepatitis B core IgM antibody
- Hepatitis C antibody
A reactive hepatitis C antibody result indicates past or current exposure to HCV. Additional HCV RNA testing is needed to determine whether an active infection is present. Depending on the performing laboratory, additional confirmatory or reflex testing may be performed or recommended.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is intended for people who have symptoms or recent exposures that raise concern for acute viral hepatitis. It may also be appropriate for individuals with abnormal liver enzyme results when hepatitis is suspected.
People who may benefit include healthcare workers after an occupational exposure, people who inject drugs, individuals with multiple sexual partners, household contacts of infected persons, and anyone with symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, or pale stools.
When should I order a Hepatitis Blood Test Panel, Acute?
Order this test if you experience symptoms like fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, dark urine, or clay-colored stools. These signs may indicate acute viral hepatitis requiring immediate attention.
Consider testing after potential exposure through contaminated blood, unprotected sex, shared needles, or close contact with infected individuals. The test is also valuable for routine screening, especially if you have risk factors or abnormal liver function tests from previous exams.
How do I interpret the results?
Hepatitis A IgM
- Positive result means: Recent HAV infection (≤6 months)
- Typical action: Supportive care, rest, follow-up
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
- Positive result means: Acute or chronic HBV infection
- Typical action: Further testing, antiviral therapy
Hepatitis B Core IgM
- Positive result means: Recent HBV infection (≤6 months)
- Typical action: Monitor, possible treatment
Hepatitis C Antibody
- Positive result means: Past or present HCV exposure
- Typical action: RNA testing to confirm active infection
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is needed for this test. Fasting is not required, and you can take medications as usual unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. Simply schedule your blood draw at a convenient time.
Inform the lab technician about any medications you're taking, as some drugs may affect liver function tests. Arrive well-hydrated to make the blood draw easier.
How often should I get tested?
- General screening (low risk) → Once in lifetime minimum
- Healthcare workers → Annually or after exposure
- High-risk individuals → Every 6–12 months
- Previous hepatitis exposure → As recommended by physician
- Abnormal liver tests → Follow-up per doctor's guidance
Why early detection matters
Early hepatitis detection can prevent serious complications and reduce transmission to others. In 2023, the U.S. reported over 86,700 acute hepatitis infections, with many cases going undiagnosed (CDC 2025). Untreated hepatitis B and C can progress to chronic infections, causing liver cirrhosis, cancer, and death.
Prompt treatment improves outcomes significantly. Hepatitis A typically resolves on its own, while hepatitis B and C have effective antiviral treatments when caught early. Early detection also enables vaccination of close contacts and implementation of preventive measures.
Related tests you may consider
Liver Profile #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel - Assesses overall liver health and damage from hepatitis infections.
Hepatitis B Virus DNA Blood Test, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR - Quantifies virus levels for treatment monitoring.
Hepatitis C RNA (PCR) - Confirms active HCV infection and viral levels.
