Hepatitis A B C Profile

This profile screens for the three most common types of viral hepatitis, hepatitis A, B, and C. These viruses all affect the liver but are spread in different ways and have different implications. By checking for current infection, past exposure, and immunity across all three in a single blood sample, this profile gives a broad picture of your hepatitis status.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated food or water and typically causes a short-lived infection:

• HAV IgM: indicates a recent or current hepatitis A infection
• HAV antibody (total): indicates past infection or immunity, including from vaccination

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids and can sometimes become a long-term (chronic) infection. Three markers together give a full picture:

• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): indicates a current hepatitis B infection
• Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc): indicates past or present exposure to the virus
• Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs): indicates immunity, from either past infection that has cleared or vaccination

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is spread mainly through blood and can become a long-term infection if untreated:

• Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV): indicates past exposure or current infection with the hepatitis C virus

An important note on interpretation

These markers are interpreted together, as the overall pattern reveals whether you have a current infection, past exposure, or immunity. An important point on timing is that after exposure, it can take several weeks for these markers to become detectable, so testing very soon after a possible exposure may not give a reliable result. For hepatitis C in particular, a positive antibody result indicates exposure but needs a further test to confirm whether the virus is still present. Any positive or abnormal result should be discussed with your GP or a specialist.

Why it matters

Viral hepatitis can cause few or no symptoms for a long time, yet hepatitis B and C in particular can lead to serious liver damage if left untreated. The good news is that effective treatments and vaccinations are available. Testing allows for early detection and treatment, helps protect your liver health, and can confirm whether you are immune or would benefit from vaccination.