Hepatitis A, B, & C Antibodies Confirmation Panel

This test searches for the presence of antibodies to Hepatitis A, B, and C, to determine if an individual has immunity to the viruses. There are vaccinations available for Hepatitis A and B.

This panel includes testing for:

• Hepatitis A Virus Antibody, IgM and Total test - This blood test detects both IgG and IgM hepatitis A antibodies, but does not differentiate between the two.
• Hepatitis B Virus Surface and Core Antibodies test 
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

Hepatitis A can be transmitted sexually (as an STD) or through close contact with an infected individual, but it is typically contracted through ingestion of food contaminated with fecal water. It is a very contagious liver disease that is preventable by a vaccine. 

This blood test is used for differential diagnosis of hepatitis and searches for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies to hepatitis A virus.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Stomach pain/Discomfort
• Vomiting
• Low fever
• Joint pain
• Jaundice and dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Clay-colored stool

People at risk for hepatitis A:

• Live with or are caregivers to someone with hepatitis A
• Have eaten contaminated food or drank contaminated water
• Travel to areas of low/poor sanitation, especially Mexico and South & Central Asia
• Share needle/drug equipment
• Have had sexual contact with someone who has the virus
• Eat food handled by someone with the virus who doesn't thoroughly wash his or her hands after using the toilet

Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) contracted via blood or other bodily fluids. This virus attacks the liver and is preventable by vaccination. Hepatitis B (HBV) can be spread by percutaneous or mucosal exposure to infected blood and various body fluids like saliva, menstrual, vaginal and seminal fluids.

This test detects the Total Hepatitis B core antibodies (Anti-HBc), which appear at the onset of symptoms, and persist for life. The presence of Anti-HBc means the tester has had a previous or has an ongoing Hepatitis B infection throughout an undefined time frame.

The test also detects Hepatitis B surface antibodies (Anti-HBs). The presence of Anti-Hbs is an indicator of recovery and susbsequent immunity to Hepatitis B.

More than 90 percent of healthy adults who contract the hepatitis B virus will recover naturally from the virus within the first year.

Sometimes Hepatitis B includes the following symptoms:

• Lethargy/Severe fatigue
• Dark Urine
• Jaundice
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Liver failure
• Cirrhosis

Hepatitis C is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that mainly affects the liver. Hepatitis C (HCV) is spread by contact with blood or bodily fluids from a person infected with the virus. This blood test is used to detect the presence of hepatitis C antibodies, to determine whether or not an individual may have been exposed to Hepatitis C.

Often there are no or few symptoms that arise with hepatitis C.
Symptoms that may occur with hepatitis C are:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, skin and darkening of urine)
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

Those at risk of getting hepatitis C are:

• Drug users who share needles/equipment
• Persons with HIV
• Babies who are born to mothers with hepatitis C
• Individuals who received blood/organs from donors before July of 1992
• Individuals born between 1945-1965

Avoid infection by:

• Not sharing needles/drug equipment
• Using condoms during sex
• Being cautious when getting tattoos or body piercings (be sure equipment has no one else's blood on it)
• Not sharing razors/razor blades

Check out our other STD Tests

Go back to see all our STD tests or here are some of the most common ones:

• Comprehensive STD Panel
• Ultimate STD Test Panel
• HIV 4th Generation Duo Antigen/Antibody Test
• HIV RNA Test
• Syphilis, RPR Test
• Trichomoniasis Test