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
- Early detection - Identifies hepatitis infections before symptoms appear
- Comprehensive screening - Tests for all three major hepatitis viruses (A, B, C)
- No doctor visit required - Order confidentially online with without doctor visits
- Fast results - Get answers within 2-3 business days
- Prevents complications - Early treatment reduces risk of liver damage and cancer
- Peace of mind - Know your status for better health planning
Who Is This Test For?
- People with unexplained fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain
- Anyone with possible hepatitis exposure through blood or intimate contact
- Healthcare workers and first responders at occupational risk
- Individuals with elevated liver enzymes on previous tests
- Those seeking routine health screening and preventive care
- People at higher risk due to lifestyle or medical history
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Place order and choose your convenient lab location
- Visit lab - Quick blood draw at any convenient location
- Get results - Secure, confidential results within 2-3 business days
FAQ
What does this test detect? This panel identifies acute infections with hepatitis A, B, and C viruses by measuring specific antibodies and antigens in your blood.
How accurate is this test? Modern hepatitis tests achieve diagnostic sensitivity rates above 94% for detecting viral markers (Nature 2024).
Can I eat before the test? Yes, no fasting is required for hepatitis testing.
What if my results are positive? Positive results indicate recent infection and require follow-up with a healthcare provider for confirmation and treatment planning.
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, detects recent or acute infections with hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). This comprehensive panel measures specific antigens and antibodies that appear in your bloodstream during the early stages of hepatitis infection, often before symptoms develop (CDC 2025).
The test identifies acute hepatitis A and B infections, chronic hepatitis B, and any past or present hepatitis C exposure. Early detection enables prompt medical intervention, preventing serious liver complications like cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is recommended for anyone with possible hepatitis exposure or symptoms. Healthcare workers, people who inject drugs, those with multiple sexual partners, and individuals living with infected persons face higher risks (Mayo Clinic 2024). The CDC now recommends hepatitis B screening for all adults at least once in their lifetime due to high prevalence and public health benefits.
People with unexplained liver symptoms, elevated liver enzymes, or those seeking comprehensive health screening should consider this panel. Non-Hispanic Black and Asian/Pacific Islander populations experience disproportionately higher hepatitis-related complications, emphasizing the importance of regular screening (CDC 2025).
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
Results require professional interpretation - always consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
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.
