Understanding the Acute Hepatitis Panel: What You Need to Know

An acute hepatitis panel is a group of blood tests that helps doctors diagnose viral hepatitis. This is a comprehensive testing method that checks for the presence of hepatitis A, B, and C viruses simultaneously in a single blood sample. When you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fatigue, or jaundice, this panel can identify what type of virus is causing liver inflammation and determine whether you are currently infected or you were previously exposed.

Key Takeaways

• An acute hepatitis panel includes tests for hepatitis A, B, and C viruses with a single blood draw.

• It requires no special preparation.

• About 2.4 million Americans have hepatitis C and 850,000 have hepatitis B, making early detection through testing important.

• Each component of the panel test looks for the specific markers for the specific virus, which help determine whether the infection is acute, chronic, or resolved

• Symptoms that might prompt panel testing include abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine, and jaundice

• Follow-up testing is often necessary particularly after a positive result, especially for hepatitis C antibody tests

What is an Acute Hepatitis Panel?

An acute hepatitis panel is a type of blood panel testing, which is used to check whether a patient is infected with hepatitis. The test will check for hepatitis A, B, and C all at the same time.

The hepatitis panel can help your doctor determine whether you currently have an infection or if you had one in the past. Doctors often request this test when you manifest signs of liver problems or if they think you are at high risk of developing one.

About 50 million people worldwide have hepatitis C and around 254 million people have hepatitis B.

When doctors request for an acute hepatitis test, they are looking for clues about what causes your liver problems. The test is quick, involves minimal discomfort, and will only require a small blood sample.

Hepatitis testing is important to know what specific virus is causing the liver problem or infection. It also gives important information as to how to proceed with the treatment or management should you need any.

Getting tested early means you could get help early if you need it. Many people do not know they have hepatitis until they get tested.

Why is the Acute Hepatitis Panel Important?

Knowing whether you have hepatitis early is important to prevent it from causing major liver damage or prevent it from progressing.

The hepatitis test helps you and your doctor to take action before things get worse or out of hand. This is very important for you since hepatitis B and C can persist for years once you have it. It can even lead to other problems like cirrhosis or worse liver cancer.

With the rising cases each year, hepatitis testing is an important tool for public health use. It should be included when dealing with a high risk population, including those who are sharing needles or are recipients of blood products.

How to test for hepatitis has evolved and become easier over the years. Modern tests have been developed, which generates results fast.

Early testing can also help prevent further spread of the infection. If you know you have hepatitis, you could take extra effort to keep others safe, especially that of your loved ones.

Some types of hepatitis can be sneaky in nature and will not show any sign for many years. A hepatitis blood test can determine the presence of these viruses even when you feel generally fine.

Regular hepatitis testing is a smart move for people at higher risk. For example, people who are more prone to needle pricks like medical personnel should get regular testing.

What Tests are Included in the Acute Hepatitis Panel?

The acute hepatitis panel includes key tests to check for different types of hepatitis and determine whether you have current or previous infection.

Here is the breakdown of the hepatitis panel test:

• Hepatitis A IgM Antibody

• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

• Hepatitis B Core Antigen Antibody IgM

• Hepatitis C Antibody

Each test that is included in the hepatitis acute panel looks for the markers that are appropriate for the specific infection. It suggests what type of virus and which stage of the infection is in.

The tests work together to give an overall information of your infection. When you get a complete hepatitis panel acute testing, you are actually getting a thorough check whether the exact cause of your liver problem is a hepatitis virus.

What is a Hepatitis A IgM Antibody Test?

The hepatitis A IgM antibody test will show whether your body is fighting a recent hepatitis A infection. It is the body’s defenses that react during the first phases of the infection.

The test can check for the presence of the virus even before your symptoms are showing up. It is also the marker that’s present in the blood for about 6 months after you get the infection.

It helps differentiate between a new hepatitis A infection and the old one you have recovered from before.

If the test is positive, it suggests that you likely got hepatitis A within the last few months. It could help further explain your symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes), or feeling very tired.

What is Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test?

The hepatitis B surface antigen test checks if you have current hepatitis B. It is a marker (part of the virus) that is located on the surface of the virus. This marker will show up in the blood and will remain within 4-10 weeks after your exposure to the virus. But if you’re getting better, this surface marker will disappear after 6 months.

But if the marker remains after 6 months, it means that you developed chronic hepatitis B infection (5-10% of cases).

The test is very helpful because it helps check whether the virus is present even before you feel any symptoms.

This is one of the most important tests for hepatitis B because it can help determine if you are infectious (someone who can spread the virus to other people).

What is Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM Test?

The hepatitis B core antibody IgM test helps find recent hepatitis B infections or flare-up of chronic infections. The test will check for the presence of the first antibodies your body makes when it is first infected with the virus. It can persist in the blood typically from 8-9 months.

It helps distinguish between new and old infections. If it is positive, it suggests that you have had the infection within the last 2 years. This is important so doctors can map out your complete hepatitis profile including its timeline.

What is Hepatitis C Antibody Test?

The hepatitis C antibody test shows if you have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. It shows whether you can fight off the infection. The antibodies will be present in the blood at around 8-11 weeks after infection and usually protects you for a lifetime.

A positive result doesn’t always mean that you have a current active infection. You’ll need an RNA test, which is another testing, to know whether the virus is still in your body.

Around 25% of people can clear the virus on its own. So even if the antibody test is positive, you may not have active infection at all. It is just part of the routine hepatitis screening programs since many people with hepatitis C don’t know they are infected.

When Should You Get an Acute Hepatitis Panel?

You should consider how to get tested for hepatitis if you notice symptoms of liver disease, like:

• Yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

• Fatigue (feeling tired all the time)

• Pain on the upper right side of your belly

• Dark-colored urine (pee)

• Fever

You should also consider testing for hepatitis if you know you are more likely to get the infection. The risk factors include:

• Unsafe sex with multiple partners

• Sharing of needles like drugs, piercings, and tattoo

• Traveling to places where hepatitis is common

• Close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with hepatitis

There are also high-risk groups that need hepatitis screening even without symptoms, including the following:

• People who use injectable drugs

• Men who have sex with men

• People born between 1945 and 1965 (for hepatitis C)

• People from countries with high hepatitis rates

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults get tested for hepatitis C at least once. This blood test for hepatitis is an essential part of routine care.

How to Prepare for the Acute Hepatitis Panel?

There is nothing much you need to prepare when you are getting ready for a hepatitis blood test.

Blood tests for hepatitis don’t require you to fast or change your diet before the test. You just have to make sure that you tell your doctor of any medications or supplements you are taking.

The test can be done any time of the day, though many labs today would prefer that you make appointments. Use a short sleeved shirt or those with loose sleeves so it would be easier to access your arm for the blood draw. The blood draw only takes around 5 minutes and only involves minimal needle pain.

After your hepatitis lab tests, you can go right back to your usual activities with no downtime needed. All you need to do is wait for the result to come out.

If you are nervous about the result of your blood tests for hepatitis, let any health provider in the facility know so you can feel at ease and be calm.

Understanding Your Acute Hepatitis Panel Results

After your hepatitis panel test, your doctor will explain what your results mean. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Positive HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) means you have a current hepatitis B infection

• Positive anti-HCV (Hepatitis C antibody) means you’ve been exposed to hepatitis C at some point and require more investigation

• Positive IgM anti-HAV (Hepatitis A IgM Antibody) may mean that you have a recent hepatitis A infection

• Negative results mean you don’t have any infection right now

Your doctor may request additional tests if your hepatitis profile lab test showed an exposure to hepatitis C. The results from the acute hepatitis profile will help your healthcare provider know what to do next.

Do You Need Follow-Up Testing?

If your hepatitis C antibody test turns out to be positive, you will need an HCV RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to look for the actual virus, not just the antibody against it. This test confirms whether or not you currently have an active infection.

For hepatitis B positive test results, your doctor may order further tests to check for:

• The specific viral load (amount of virus in your blood)

• Acuteness or chronicity of the infection

• Liver function

• Immunity from past infection

These follow-up tests can help create an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Even if all your initial hepatitis tests are negative but you have symptoms, it may be recommended that you undergo repeat testing at a later date. Your doctor may even consider other causative factors for your liver disease.

Conclusion

An acute hepatitis panel is a key element in the diagnostic toolbox, which enables early detection and management of viral hepatitis like A, B, and C infections. This helps in preventing progression of the disease that produces irreversible liver damage and prevents its spread to other people.

Testing for specific markers in a single blood draw offers a complete insight to whether an infection is acute, chronic, or has resolved. Knowing these things allow healthcare providers to customize an appropriate and effective treatment plan. 

With millions affected by hepatitis worldwide and with many people unaware of their status, routine testing is a big help for public health. The accurate understanding of the panel’s components and results allow you to take proactive steps in protecting your liver function and prevent further complications like liver cancer or cirrhosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Hepatitis Transmitted?

Hepatitis A spreads through “fecal-oral route”, which means that you can get it through contaminated food and water. It can also spread through close contact. Hepatitis B can be spread through contact with contaminated blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. Hepatitis C mainly spreads through the parenteral route (blood contact or sharing of needles).

Can Hepatitis Be Prevented?

Yes. Hepatitis can be prevented like vaccinations, maintaining good hygiene, and ensuring sterility in all equipment used for tattooing and piercings.

What Are the Treatment Options for Hepatitis?

Treatment entirely depends on the type of hepatitis you have. Supportive care is best for hepatitis A since it could resolve on its own. For hepatitis B and C, there are medications that are effective in controlling the disease activity.

Written by Jaclyn P. Leyson-Azuela, RMT, MD, MPH
Jaclyn P. Leyson-Azuela, RMT, MD, MPH, is a licensed General Practitioner and Public Health Expert. She currently serves as a physician in private practice, combining clinical care with her passion for preventive health and community wellness.

References

1. Cappel, R., Van Beers, D., Maes, F., Toppet, M., & Cadranel, S. (1981). Significance of persisting IgM anti‐HBc antibodies in hepatitis B virus infection. Journal of Medical Virology, 8(3), 201–205. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.1890080307 

2. Clinical screening and diagnosis for hepatitis A. (2024, January 11). Hepatitis A. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-a/hcp/diagnosis-testing/index.html 

3. Grebely, J., Prins, M., Hellard, M., Cox, A. L., Osburn, W. O., Lauer, G., Page, K., Lloyd, A. R., & Dore, G. J. (2012). Hepatitis C virus clearance, reinfection, and persistence, with insights from studies of injecting drug users: towards a vaccine. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 12(5), 408–414. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1473-3099(12)70010-5

4. NHS. (2025, February 24). Complications. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hepatitis-c/complications/ 

5. Riveiro-Barciela, M., Pericàs, J. M., & Buti, M. (2022). How to interpret viral markers in the management of chronic hepatitis B infection. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 28(3), 355–361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmi.2021.10.020 

6. Rizzo, G. E. M., Cabibbo, G., & Craxì, A. (2022). Hepatitis B Virus-Associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Viruses, 14(5), 986. https://doi.org/10.3390/v14050986 

7. Treatment, C. F. S. A. (2011). Screening for viral hepatitis. Addressing Viral Hepatitis in People With Substance Use Disorders - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92029/ 

8. Viral hepatitis surveillance and case management - Additional info and resources | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/statistics/surveillanceguidance/InfoResources.htm 

9. World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2024a, April 9). Hepatitis B. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b 

10. World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2024b, April 9). Hepatitis C. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c