Hepatitis

Hepatitis Test

Hepatitis tests are blood tests that detect viral infections of the liver (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E), check immunity, and monitor liver damage. Results are reported in international units per milliliter (IU/mL), micromoles per liter (µmol/L), or qualitative “positive/negative” markers. Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E) is caused by different viruses, each with unique transmission routes. If untreated, hepatitis can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

Hepatitis  tests are used to detect active infection with hepatitis viruses; check for past infection or immunity (from vaccination or recovery); monitor chronic hepatitis B or C; investigate symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, or dark urine; screen people at risk (healthcare workers, pregnant women, people with multiple transfusions, or unsafe injection practices).

Types of Hepatitis Tests

1. Hepatitis A (HAV)

  • Anti-HAV IgM: Indicates recent infection.
  • Anti-HAV IgG: Past infection or immunity.
  • Reported qualitatively (positive/negative).

2. Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • HBsAg (Surface Antigen): Active infection.
    • Reported as signal-to-cutoff ratio or IU/mL.
  • Anti-HBs (Surface Antibody): Immunity.
    • Protective immunity usually ≥10 IU/L.
  • Anti-HBc (Core Antibody): Past or ongoing infection.
  • HBV DNA (viral load): Active replication.
    • Measured in IU/mL (e.g., <20 IU/mL = undetectable).

3. Hepatitis C (HCV)

  • Anti-HCV Antibody: Exposure to virus.
  • HCV RNA (PCR): Confirms active infection.
    • Reported in IU/mL (ranges from <15 IU/mL to millions IU/mL).
  • Genotype testing: Guides treatment.

4. Hepatitis D (HDV)

  • Anti-HDV Antibody / HDV RNA: Detects infection.
  • Only occurs in people with Hepatitis B.

5. Hepatitis E (HEV)

  • Anti-HEV IgM: Recent infection.
  • Anti-HEV IgG: Past infection or immunity.

Normal and Abnormal Results

  • Negative antigen/RNA/DNA: No active infection.
  • Positive antibodies only: Past infection or successful vaccination.
  • Positive antigen or RNA/DNA: Active infection requiring medical follow-up.

High viral load (HBV DNA or HCV RNA in IU/mL) indicate active replication, higher risk of liver damage. Low or undetectable viral load indicate controlled infection or effective treatment. Protective antibody levels (Anti-HBs ≥10 IU/L) indicate immunity after vaccination or recovery.

Hepatitis tests are essential for early detection, prevention, and monitoring of liver disease. Results  help clinicians to determine active infection, past exposure, or immunity.