Hepatitis Panel, General

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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Hepatitis Panel General

Confirmation

Hepatitis A Ab, Total

Hepatitis B Core Ab Total

Hepatitis B Surface

Hepatitis B Surface

Hepatitis C Antibody

The Hepatitis C Antibody Test, sometimes called the Anti-HCV Test, looks for antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus. Antibodies are chemicals released into the bloodstream when someone gets infected.

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The Hepatitis Panel, General test contains 1 test with 7 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Hepatitis Panel General test, also known as the Hepatitis Screen, is a blood test that evaluates a person's exposure to various types of hepatitis viruses. It is a comprehensive panel that checks for different hepatitis viruses and their corresponding antibodies. The test helps identify current or past infections, assess the extent of liver damage, and guide appropriate medical management.

Also Known As: Hepatitis Panel

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex Confirmation: Positive samples will be confirmed based on the manufacturer's FDA approved recommendations at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87341).

If Hepatitis C Antibody is reactive, Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87522).

When and Why a Hepatitis Panel General Test May Be Ordered:

A Hepatitis Panel General test may be ordered in the following situations:

  1. Routine Health Check-Up: It may be included as part of routine health screenings, especially in high-risk individuals such as healthcare workers, individuals with a history of injection drug use, or those with multiple sexual partners.

  2. Symptoms of Hepatitis: The test is ordered if a person presents with symptoms suggestive of hepatitis, such as fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, and dark-colored urine.

  3. Exposure to Hepatitis: It is ordered if someone has been exposed to hepatitis-infected blood or body fluids, such as in cases of needlestick injuries or unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.

  4. Preoperative Screening: In some cases, the test may be required before surgery to ensure the person does not have an active hepatitis infection.

What a Hepatitis Panel General Test Checks For:

The Hepatitis Panel General test checks for:

  1. Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Antibody Total: These are antibodies to Hepatitis A.

  2. Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs): This antibody indicates immunity to hepatitis B either through vaccination or past infection.

  3. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): This antigen indicates a current hepatitis B infection.

  4. Hepatitis B Core Antibody total: These antibodies are present during different stages of a hepatitis B infection.

  5. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody: This antibody indicates exposure to hepatitis C, but further testing is required to confirm an active infection.

Sample Ulta Lab Tests View of General Hepatitis Panel Results
Hepatitis Panel General Test Example Ulta Lab Tests Results

 

Sample Quest Result Report View of General Hepatitis Panel Results
Hepatitis Panel General Test Example Quest Diagnostics Results

Other Lab Tests That May Be Ordered Alongside a Hepatitis Panel General Test:

When a Hepatitis Panel is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of liver health and infectious disease status. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

  1. Liver Function Test:

    • Purpose: To assess the health and function of the liver.
    • Why Is It Ordered: These tests help evaluate liver damage or dysfunction, which can be caused by hepatitis infections.

  2. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

    • Purpose: Provides a broad picture of overall blood health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To detect signs of anemia, infection, or other hematologic abnormalities that might occur with liver disease or as a result of chronic infection.

  3. Prothrombin Time (PT/INR):

    • Purpose: To assess blood clotting function.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Liver damage can affect the production of clotting factors, so this test is important for evaluating liver function and the risk of bleeding.

  4. Hepatitis C RNA Quantitative (if Hepatitis C is positive):

    • Purpose: To measure the amount of hepatitis C virus in the blood (viral load).
    • Why Is It Ordered: To confirm active hepatitis C infection and monitor treatment response.

  5. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP):

    • Purpose: To screen for liver cancer.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Chronic hepatitis B and C can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, and AFP is a tumor marker used in screening.

  6. Kidney Function Test:

    • Purpose: To evaluate kidney function.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Hepatitis, especially chronic infection, can impact kidney function, and certain hepatitis treatments may have renal side effects.

  7. Antinuclear Antibody:

    • Purpose: To screen for autoimmune liver diseases.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To differentiate viral hepatitis from autoimmune hepatitis, as the treatment and prognosis differ significantly.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Hepatitis Panel, provide a comprehensive view of an individual’s liver health, hepatitis status, and related conditions. They are essential for diagnosing and managing hepatitis infections, assessing liver function, and monitoring for complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, risk factors, and the results of initial screenings.

Conditions or Diseases That Would Require a Hepatitis Panel General Test:

The Hepatitis Panel General test is used to diagnose and monitor various hepatitis infections, including:

  1. Hepatitis A: Acute infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, usually transmitted through contaminated food or water.

  2. Hepatitis B: Can range from acute to chronic infection, transmitted through contact with infected blood, body fluids, or from mother to baby during childbirth.

  3. Hepatitis C: Chronic infection caused by the hepatitis C virus, often transmitted through exposure to infected blood.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results of a Hepatitis Panel General Test:

Healthcare providers use the results of a Hepatitis Panel General test to:

  1. Diagnose Hepatitis Infections: Positive results for specific antibodies or antigens indicate the presence of hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C infections.

  2. Determine Immunity and Vaccination Status: The presence of specific antibodies can indicate immunity due to past infection or successful vaccination.

  3. Monitor Treatment and Disease Progression: For chronic hepatitis infections, monitoring changes in viral load and liver function helps guide treatment decisions and assess the effectiveness of therapy.

  4. Identify High-Risk Individuals: The test helps identify individuals who may be at higher risk of developing complications or transmitting the infection to others.

In conclusion, the Hepatitis Panel General test is a valuable tool in diagnosing and monitoring hepatitis infections. It aids in identifying the specific hepatitis virus and guiding appropriate management to protect the individual's health and prevent further transmission of the infection.

Most Common Questions About the Hepatitis Panel General test:

Understanding the Hepatitis Panel General Test

What is the Hepatitis Panel General test?

The Hepatitis Panel General test is a series of blood tests designed to detect and diagnose infections caused by hepatitis viruses: A, B, and C. It evaluates the presence of specific antibodies and antigens, which are immune responses to these infections.

Why is the Hepatitis Panel General test important?

This test is important because hepatitis infections can lead to severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications.

What does a positive Hepatitis Panel General test result indicate?

A positive result indicates that you have been infected with one or more types of hepatitis virus. The specific type of hepatitis can be identified by which antibodies or antigens are detected.

What does a negative Hepatitis Panel General test result mean?

A negative result generally means that there is no evidence of current or past infection with hepatitis A, B, or C viruses.

Can the Hepatitis Panel General test distinguish between current and past infections?

Yes, the Hepatitis Panel General test can distinguish between current and past infections. For example, for hepatitis B, the presence of HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) indicates a current infection, while the presence of anti-HBc (hepatitis B core antibody) can indicate a past or current infection.

Understanding Hepatitis A, B, and C

What are the differences between Hepatitis A, B, and C?

Hepatitis A, B, and C are all viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A is often contracted from contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood, semen, or other body fluids. Hepatitis C is usually spread through direct contact with the blood of an infected person. The severity, duration, and treatment of these infections vary.

Can the Hepatitis Panel General test detect a recent exposure to a hepatitis virus?

The Hepatitis Panel General test can detect recent exposure if antibodies or antigens have already developed. However, there can be a window period of several weeks to months after exposure during which tests may not be positive.

How does the Hepatitis Panel General test confirm chronic Hepatitis B or C infection?

The Hepatitis Panel General test can indicate chronic hepatitis B or C infection by detecting the ongoing presence of specific antigens or the RNA of the viruses, respectively.

Understanding Test Results and Follow-ups

What should I do if my Hepatitis Panel General test results are positive?

If your Hepatitis Panel General test results are positive, you should follow up with your healthcare provider to understand the implications and discuss next steps, which may include further testing, monitoring, and treatment.

What does it mean if I'm positive for hepatitis antibodies but not antigens in the Hepatitis Panel General test?

If you're positive for hepatitis antibodies but not antigens, it typically means you had a past infection and your immune system successfully fought it off. In the case of hepatitis B, it could also mean you've been vaccinated.

Can the Hepatitis Panel General test be used to monitor the progress of hepatitis treatment?

Yes, the Hepatitis Panel General test can be used to monitor the response to treatment for hepatitis B and C by tracking the levels of antigens or viral RNA over time.

Hepatitis Panel General Test and Specific Populations

Why would a pregnant person get a Hepatitis Panel General test?

Pregnant individuals are often tested for hepatitis B because the virus can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth. If detected, measures can be taken to prevent transmission.

Should people with HIV get a Hepatitis Panel General test?

Yes, people with HIV should get a Hepatitis Panel General test because they have a higher risk of contracting hepatitis, especially hepatitis B and C, which can lead to more severe liver disease in this population.

General Questions About the Test

Can the Hepatitis Panel General test determine if I'm immune to hepatitis A or B?

Yes, the test can determine immunity to hepatitis A and B by detecting specific antibodies (anti-HAV for hepatitis A, and anti-HBs for hepatitis B) which indicate past infection or successful vaccination.

Can the Hepatitis Panel General test detect other types of hepatitis, like D or E?

No, the Hepatitis Panel General test specifically tests for hepatitis A, B, and C. Separate tests are needed to detect hepatitis D and E.

Can a Hepatitis Panel General test detect autoimmune hepatitis?

No, autoimmune hepatitis is a separate condition where the immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation. It's diagnosed using other blood tests, including liver function tests and autoimmune antibody tests.

How often should I get a Hepatitis Panel General test?

There's no general guideline for how often you should get this test. It depends on individual risk factors, such as exposure to the virus, lifestyle, occupation, and health status. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance based on your specific situation.

Can the Hepatitis Panel General test be used to screen blood donors?

Yes, the Hepatitis Panel General test is routinely used to screen blood donors to ensure they are not currently infected with hepatitis A, B, or C.

Can I have a hepatitis infection without symptoms, and can the Hepatitis Panel General test still detect it?

Yes, many people with hepatitis do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages. The Hepatitis Panel General test can still detect an infection even if you don't have symptoms.

What does it mean if I have elevated liver enzymes, but my Hepatitis Panel General test is negative?

Elevated liver enzymes could indicate liver inflammation from causes other than viral hepatitis, such as alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or autoimmune hepatitis. It's important to work with your healthcare provider to find the cause.

How do vaccines affect the Hepatitis Panel General test results?

Vaccination against hepatitis A or B leads to the production of antibodies, which would be detected by the test. For hepatitis B, the test can differentiate between antibodies produced from vaccination (anti-HBs) and those produced from natural infection (anti-HBc).

How can a Hepatitis Panel General test help if I have been exposed to the hepatitis virus recently?

If you've been recently exposed, this test can help establish if you've been infected. In some cases, post-exposure prophylaxis can be given to prevent infection, especially for hepatitis B.

Can the Hepatitis Panel General test diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)?

No, the Hepatitis Panel General test cannot diagnose HCC. While chronic hepatitis B and C infections are risk factors for HCC, diagnosis requires other tests such as imaging studies and possibly a liver biopsy.

How can a Hepatitis Panel General test help in diagnosing co-infections of hepatitis viruses?

Co-infections with different hepatitis viruses can occur. The Hepatitis Panel General test, which screens for hepatitis A, B, and C, can help identify co-infections by detecting antibodies and antigens for each type of virus.

Can the Hepatitis Panel General test diagnose neonatal hepatitis?

Neonatal hepatitis is often caused by a viral infection in the mother that is passed to the baby, including hepatitis B or C. The Hepatitis Panel General test can help diagnose these infections in infants. However, other tests may be needed to diagnose non-viral causes of neonatal hepatitis.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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