Hepatitis Tests - Hepatitis Testing

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test

When testing for hepatitis B, the most frequently and easily performed is the surface antigen (HBsAg). It is the earliest sign of an active hepatitis B infection.

A positive result means that you have the hepatitis B infection. It is important to know that the antigen may be present before symptoms occur. And that if it has been present for more than 6 months, it may mean you have a chronic infection.

HCV Antibody Test

The most widely used test for detecting antibodies to hepatitis C is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Antibodies are proteins found in blood, and other body fluids, that are used to fight off foreign bacteria and/or viruses. If the testing process results come back negative, it means that you do not have the disease and therefore are not producing the antibodies needed to neutralize it. Further hepatitis testing is typically not needed after this point. However, false negatives may occur for those whose immune systems do not produce enough antibodies so if you believe you are at a high-risk for contracting hepatitis C the test may be repeated.

If the ELISA test comes back positive, there are antibodies to hepatitis C in your system. This may not mean you currently have the disease. If you have been infected in the past, the antibodies could still be in your system. Therefore, after a positive ELISA, confirmation tests will need to be performed as well. 

Obtaining a confidential test for hepatitis is as simple as contacting our counselors to schedule a test at one of our local testing clinics near you.