Hepatitis Panel

Sample Type

• Blood sample
• 3 mL serum collected in SST

Who should get tested?

This test is typically ordered when someone believes they have hepatitis, or if they have been exposed, it may also be ordered if you have symptoms of the liver disorder to determine if hepatitis is the cause. Symptoms of liver disease that should be checked include jaundice, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.² You may also want to get tested for hepatitis if you have certain risk factors such as:

• Using injectable, illegal drugs
• Recent STD diagnosis
• Close contact with someone infected with hepatitis
• Were born between 1945 and 1965, often referred to as the baby boom years. Though the reasons aren’t entirely understood, baby boomers are 5 times more likely to have hepatitis C than other adults.¹

Turnaround time

• Note: Result turnaround times are only an estimate and may be subject to change.
• Test turnaround time for the Hepatitis Panel is typically 1-2 business days.

Patient Preparation

• No special preparation is needed for Hepatitis testing.

Individual Test Information

• Hepatitis A is most often spread by contact with contaminated feces (stool) or by eating tainted food. Though uncommon, it can also be spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Most people recover from hepatitis A without any lasting liver damage.
• Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. Some people recover quickly from a hepatitis B infection. For others, the virus can cause long-term, chronic liver disease.
• Hepatitis C is most often spread by contact with infected blood, usually through sharing of hypodermic needles. Though uncommon, it can also be spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Many people with hepatitis C develop chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.¹

References

1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, July 31). Hepatitis Panel: MedlinePlus Medical Test. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hepatitis-panel/.
2. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, November 24). Hepatitis. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/hepatitis.html#summary.