What is hepatitis serology?
Hepatitis serology (HepA, HepB, HepC) is a relatively complex set of tests to determine past infection, current infection, immunity and infectivity relating to the Hepatitis viruses. These viruses all affect the liver, but behave quite differently from each other.
How is a hepatitis serology performed?
Hepatitis serology is a blood test which requires a few millilitres of blood from a vein. Any of the three common hepatitis viruses can be tested for individually – for example only Hepatitis B serology – depending on the reasons for the test.
When would you need a hepatitis serology?
Hepatitis serology may be requested by your doctor for a number of reasons, including:
- Screening test to determine hepatitis status, for example prior to childbirth, dialysis or a surgical procedure
- Investigation of jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) or abnormal Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- Checking immunity to Hepatitis B, for healthcare workers or those with occupational (or non-occupational) exposure to body fluids with infective potential – eg a needlestick injury
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Hepatitis serology test results explained
Hepatitis serology results will usually give an indication of previous infection, as well as current infection, and give an indication of immunity (antibodies) to future exposure, in the case of Hepatitis B.
Interpretation of these results can be quite complex, but the laboratory performing the test usually gives a short comment or explanation on the report.
Related specialists
- General Practitioner (GP)
- Hepatologist
- Gastroenterologist
- General Physician
- Gynaecologist
- Immunologist
- Infectious Disease Physician
- Intensivist
- Nephrologist
- Obstetrician
- Occupational Health Physician
- Paediatrician
- Sexual Health Physician
- Travel Medicine Physician
Related procedures
- Blood Test (venesection)
- Dialysis
- Tissue Biopsy
Related tests
- Liver Function Tests
- Coagulation Profile
- HIV Test
- Rubella Serology
- Syphilis Test
- Abdominal CT
- Abdominal Ultrasound Scan
- Urinalysis
Also known as
- Hepatitis screening
- Hepatitis Antibodies
- Hepatitis virus test
Links
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next Hepatologist appointment. Click on the following locations to find a Hepatologist clinic in your state or territory.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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