Hepatitis virus test or panel

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Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Blood test

Hepatitis B virus

Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands

Overview

Risks

Results

Hepatitis virus test or panel

Definition:

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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.

Alternative Names:
Hepatitis A antibody test; Hepatitis B antibody test; Hepatitis C antibody test; Hepatitis D antibody test
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 to prepare for the test:

No special preparation is needed.

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 (before symptoms appear).

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is most frequently transmitted by contact with infected blood or throughsex with an infected person, but it can also be transmitted by other body fluids. HBV can cause a severe and unrelenting form of hepatitis ending in liver failure and death.