Hepatitis Test: When it’s recommended & how to understand the results

Hepatitis might sound like a scary word, but understanding it—and getting tested for it—doesn’t have to be. Hepatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the liver, and it’s often caused by a virus. There are several types, but the most common are hepatitis A, B, and C. The good news is that a simple blood test can detect it early—and catching hepatitis early can help you avoid serious health problems, protect others, and get on the road to treatment fast. Whether you’re getting tested because of symptoms, potential exposure, or just as a routine check, knowing what the hepatitis test is all about can give you peace of mind.

What is a hepatitis test?

A hepatitis test is a blood test used to find out if you’ve been exposed to hepatitis viruses—including hepatitis A, B, and C. These viruses attack the liver, sometimes causing short-term illness and sometimes sticking around long-term (known as chronic hepatitis).

Most hepatitis tests are done using a small sample of blood taken from your arm. Depending on your situation, your provider might order a single test or a full hepatitis panel, which screens for all three types at once.

Why would you need a hepatitis test?

There are a bunch of reasons someone might get tested for hepatitis—and it’s not just if you feel sick. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• You have symptoms like fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain, or dark-colored urine.
• You may have been exposed through contact with infected blood or body fluids (like through needle sharing or accidental needle sticks).
• You’ve had unprotected sex, especially with multiple partners.
• You’re pregnant, since hepatitis B can be passed from mother to baby.
• You’re part of an at-risk group, like healthcare workers, people with HIV, or anyone who’s had tattoos or piercings in non-sterile settings.
  

Even if you don’t feel sick, getting tested can help prevent spreading the virus to others—and give you a chance to protect your liver early.

Types of hepatitis tests and what they detect

There are several types of hepatitis tests that can be used to look for hepatitis in a variety of ways. Before diving into different types of tests, here’s a quick refresher on the different types of hepatitis:

• Hepatitis A is usually spread through contaminated food or water and doesn’t usually cause chronic illness.
• Hepatitis B spreads through blood and bodily fluids and can become chronic.
• Hepatitis C spreads mainly through blood and is often chronic, but it’s now curable in many cases.

Common hepatitis tests:

• Hepatitis A IgM Antibody Test: Detects a recent or current hepatitis A infection.
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): Indicates an active hepatitis B infection. If this is positive, the virus is present in your blood.
• Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs): Shows immunity to hepatitis B, either from recovery or vaccination.
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc): Suggests past or ongoing infection with hepatitis B. This test helps you figure out your full hepatitis B history.
• Hepatitis C Antibody Test (anti-HCV): Tells whether you’ve ever been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. A positive test means you’ve been exposed but doesn’t confirm if you still have it.
• HCV RNA Test (PCR test): This follow-up test checks if the hepatitis C virus is currently active in your body.
  

Sometimes, if one test comes back positive, your doctor will automatically run a second one to confirm it. This is called reflex testing and helps ensure you get the right diagnosis and next steps quickly.

What to expect during a hepatitis test

Getting tested for hepatitis involves a simple blood draw. Here’s what you can expect:

• Like any other blood test, a nurse or technician will draw blood from your arm.
• No fasting is required. You don’t need to avoid food or drink ahead of time unless your doctor says otherwise.
• It’s quick and available in lots of places. You can get a hepatitis test at urgent care centers, primary care clinics, hospitals, or even walk-in labs.
• Results usually come back within a few days. Some rapid tests may return results even sooner.

How to understand hepatitis test results

If you’ve gotten tested and you’re staring at your results thinking, “What does this even mean?”—you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.

Common result terms:

• “Positive” or “Reactive”: Something was found in your blood.
• “Negative” or “Non-reactive”: Nothing was detected in your blood.
  

Here’s what different results might mean:

• Positive HBsAg → You have an active hepatitis B infection.
• Positive anti-HBs → You’re immune to hepatitis B, thanks to either recovery or the vaccine.
• Positive anti-HCV (antibody) → You’ve been exposed to hepatitis C. Next step? An HCV RNA test to check if it’s still active.
• Negative across the board → Likely no infection or past exposure. But your provider may still want to confirm with repeat testing if there’s been recent exposure.
  

If you’re unsure about your results, reach out to your doctor. They can explain everything in plain terms and help guide your next steps.

What happens if you test positive?

Getting a positive hepatitis result can be emotional—but it’s not the end of the road. Most hepatitis infections are treatable, and some are even curable.

Here’s a quick look at what comes next, depending on the type:

• Hepatitis A: This type usually goes away on its own with rest, fluids, and good nutrition. Most people recover fully within a few weeks.
• Hepatitis B: Some people recover naturally, while others develop chronic hepatitis B. In those cases, your doctor may suggest medications to reduce liver damage and lower virus levels.
• Hepatitis C: This virus used to be tough to treat—but now, most people can be cured with oral antiviral medications taken for just 8–12 weeks.
  

No matter what, follow-up care is key. Your provider might suggest regular liver function tests, lifestyle changes (like avoiding alcohol), or letting partners or household contacts know they should get tested, too.

Book a hepatitis test at a clinic near you

Taking control of your health starts with simple steps—like getting tested. If you think you may have been exposed to hepatitis or just want to stay on top of your health, don’t wait. Book a hepatitis test through Solv to find a trusted provider near you. It’s fast, easy, and can give you the answers—and peace of mind—you deserve.