Hepatitis B (HBV) Tests

These blood tests identify hepatitis B antigens and antibodies, which help determine if a person is or once was infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The tests can help a doctor find out if a person has been immunized or if he or she is infected and can pass the virus to others. Infection with the hepatitis D (delta) virus, which can only occur if a person is infected with HBV, also can be detected with these tests.

Hepatitis C (HCV) Tests

One way to detect hepatitis C virus (HCV) is to look for antibodies against the virus in your blood. Antibodies may indicate either an active infection or a past infection. The test cannot distinguish between an acute or chronic infection or determine whether infection with HCV has been cured.

A blood test called the "Enzyme Immunoassay", or EIA, may be the first test done to detect these antibodies. A supplemental test called recombinant immunoblot assay, or RIBA, should be taken to confirm a positive EIA test result, especially if you are at low risk for HCV infection. A test to detect HCV genetic material (RNA) is the best way to find out if an infection is active.