The hepatitis panel screens for the major hepatitis viruses — A, B, and C. Each virus has different testing approaches and result interpretation. The hepatitis panel is used for screening high-risk individuals, evaluating abnormal liver tests, and confirming immunity after vaccination. This guide covers what each component tests for and clinical interpretation.
Hepatitis A testing
- Hepatitis A IgM: Acute infection
- Hepatitis A IgG (or total antibody): Past infection or immunity from vaccination
Hepatitis A is acute and self-limiting. After infection, lifetime immunity. Vaccination provides similar immunity.
Hepatitis B testing
Multiple markers help distinguish acute infection, chronic infection, recovery, and immunity:
- HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen): Active infection (acute or chronic)
- HBsAb or anti-HBs: Immunity (from vaccination or recovery)
- HBcAb (anti-HBc) total: Past or current infection
- HBcAb IgM: Recent acute infection
- HBeAg: High infectivity, active viral replication
- HBeAb: Lower infectivity, immune control
- HBV DNA: Viral load quantification
Common HBV interpretation patterns
Vaccinated immunity: HBsAg negative, HBsAb positive, HBcAb negative.
Past infection with recovery: HBsAg negative, HBsAb positive, HBcAb positive.
Chronic infection: HBsAg positive (over 6 months), HBcAb positive, HBsAb negative.
Acute infection: HBsAg positive, HBcAb IgM positive.
Susceptible (not infected, not immune): All markers negative.
Hepatitis C testing
- Anti-HCV antibody: Initial screen; positive in current or past infection
- HCV RNA (viral load): Active infection if positive; cleared infection if negative
HCV antibody can be positive after spontaneous clearance or successful treatment. HCV RNA confirms active infection.
Universal hepatitis screening
The CDC now recommends:
- Hepatitis B screening: at least once in adulthood for everyone
- Hepatitis C screening: at least once in adulthood for everyone, more frequently in high-risk individuals
- Hepatitis A: not routinely screened, primarily symptom-based or pre-vaccination
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get tested for hepatitis?
Yes, current CDC recommendations support universal screening for hepatitis B and C at least once in adulthood.
What if my hepatitis B surface antigen is positive?
Indicates active hepatitis B infection. Further testing (HBV DNA, HBeAg/HBeAb, ALT, liver imaging) determines acute vs chronic and active vs inactive disease. Consult a hepatologist.
Can hepatitis B be cured?
Generally not currently — chronic hepatitis B is suppressible with antiviral therapy but not typically cured. Acute hepatitis B usually clears spontaneously.
Can hepatitis C be cured?
Yes. Direct-acting antivirals achieve cure rates above 95% in 8-12 weeks. See our hepatitis C clinical trials.
Do I need follow-up testing after a hepatitis vaccine?
Not routinely. Some healthcare workers and high-risk individuals get post-vaccination titer testing.
The bottom line on the hepatitis panel
Hepatitis panel testing distinguishes acute, chronic, and resolved infections plus immunity status. Interpretation requires understanding multiple markers. Universal screening for hepatitis B and C is now recommended. Discuss results with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation.