Hepatitis Panel

Covers blood test used to find markers of hepatitis infection. Lists types of hepatitis panels. Includes links for more info on hepatitis A, B, and C virus tests.

Hepatitis Panel

Topic Overview

A hepatitis panel is a blood test used to find markers of hepatitis infection. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver.

There are different hepatitis panels. Some tests look for proteins (antibodies) that the body makes to fight the infection. Other tests look for antigens or the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the viruses that cause hepatitis. A common panel checks for:

  • Hepatitis A IgM antibodies (HA Ab-IgM) and IgG antibodies (HA Ab-IgG).
  • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
  • Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb).
  • Hepatitis B IgM core antibody (HBcAb-IgM) and IgG core antibody (HBcAb-IgG).
  • Hepatitis B type e antigen (HBeAg).
  • Hepatitis C antibodies (HC Ab).

Your doctor may order a hepatitis panel if you have symptoms of hepatitis. These symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice), dark yellow urine, and feeling very tired. This blood test also may be done if you were recently exposed to a hepatitis virus, even if you do not have symptoms.

For more information, see the topics:

If the term “w/reflex” is listed in your test results, this means that the blood test was repeated to confirm a positive result on your first hepatitis blood test. A positive result may mean that you have hepatitis antibodies from a recent infection.

Related Information

References

Other Works Consulted

  • Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
  • Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby.

Credits

Current as ofMarch 28, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD – Family Medicine
W. Thomas London, MD – Internal Medicine, Hepatology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.