Hepatitis virus test or panel

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Blood test

Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands

Hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is most frequently transmitted by contact with infected blood or through sex with an infected person, but it can also be transmitted by other body fluids. HBV can cause a severe and unrelenting form of hepatitis ending in liver failure and death.

The incidence of HBV is higher among blood-transfusion recipients, male homosexuals,  dialysis patients, organ transplant patients, and intravenous (I.V.) drug users. It has a long incubation period (it takes anywhere from 5 weeks to 6 months for symptoms to appear after the person has been infected).

The Hepatitis B virus is made up of an inner core surrounded by an outer capsule. The outer capsule contains a protein called HBsAg (Hep B surface antigen). The inner core contains HBcAg (Hep B core antigen). A third protein called HBeAg is also found within the core. In addition to detecting Hepatitis B virus itself, tests can detect antibodies a patient has made to these antigens (viruses). The antibodies are called HBsAb, HBcAb, and HBeAb.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted in a manner similar to Hepatitis B. The incubation period is 2 to 12 weeks after exposure. The symptoms and course of the illness are similar to HBV.

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

Review Date: 11/16/2005
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.