Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Antibody Profile (Serum)
This test checks for antibodies to hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses in your blood. Antibodies are your body’s way of fighting off infections, so this helps determine if you’ve been exposed to these viruses.
["This test helps identify past or current infections with hepatitis B or C, guiding further medical evaluation if needed."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42191-7
- Short code
- Hepatitis A+B+C 7a Pnl Ser
- Synonyms
- Hepatitis A+B+C 7a Pnl Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 87340
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have risk factors for hepatitis, such as unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or living with someone who has hepatitis. It’s also used during pregnancy to check for infection or if you’ve had an organ transplant.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll likely have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The process takes about 5 minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If you’re pregnant or have a bleeding disorder, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
Positive results for specific antibodies (e.g., HBsAb for hepatitis B or anti-HCV for hepatitis C) suggest past infection or immunity. Negative results mean you currently do not have detectable antibodies for these viruses. Follow-up testing may be needed to confirm or rule out infection.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
False negatives can occur if the test is taken too early after exposure. False positives are rare but may happen with certain conditions or medications. If results are unclear, additional testing may be required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detecting hepatitis antibodies is critical for early diagnosis, treatment planning, and preventing spread. If you test positive, your doctor will guide you on next steps, which may include further testing, vaccination (for hepatitis B), or monitoring for chronic infection.
Short name
Hepatitis Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean for me?
Will I need to take any special steps if my test is positive?
Can I still get hepatitis even if my antibody test is negative?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy