Hepatitis virus blood tests detect the presence of antibodies to viruses that cause hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. The panel of tests can be used to screen blood samples for more than one kind of hepatitis virus at the same time.

Note: Hepatitis D only causes disease when hepatitis B is present. It is not routinely checked on a hepatitis antibody panel.

Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects in a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

No special preparation is needed.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of hepatitis.

Other conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Chronic persistent hepatitis
• Delta agent (hepatitis D)
• Nephrotic syndrome

No presence of antibodies (a negative test) is normal.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Serology (blood) tests detect the presence of antibodies to each of the hepatitis viruses. Elevated IgM antibody indicates acute hepatitis. Elevated IgG antibody suggests chronic hepatitis.

Positive tests may indicate:

• Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis B carrier
• Hepatitis A (active infection or recovery from a prior infection)
• Hepatitis B (recovery from prior infection, or immunity from hepatitis B vaccine)
• Hepatitis C (chronic carrier of this disease)
• Hepatitis D, when found along with hepatitis B

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)