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Testing

testing

The majority of people infected with viral hepatitis do not have symptoms or signs. Among those who do, symptoms develop gradually. Early symptoms and signs are non-specific and resemble those of the flu. To test for viral hepatitis infection, blood tests looking for antigens or antibodies specific to each type of hepatitis virus are used.

Blood tests are important to diagnose past or current infection with hepatitis virus and check the immunity status against future infection. Therefore, it is preferable to have blood tests for hepatitis A and hepatitis B status before vaccination. Vaccination is not required for people who already have protective antibody for hepatitis A virus (HAV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV).

People infected with HBV or hepatitis C virus (HCV) will have a chance to develop chronic hepatitis, which usually goes unnoticed unless being tested. Early diagnosis of hepatitis infection is critical for effective treatment and care.

Common markers in viral hepatitis blood test

Marker Clinical Interpretation for a Positive Result
Anti-HAV Past or present infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) or vaccination against HAV; Immune to HAV infection
HBsAg Presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
Anti-HBs Immune to HBV infection following recovery from infection or vaccination
Anti-HCV Active or past hepatitis C virus infection
HCV RNA Active hepatitis C virus infection