Hepatitis (acute) Screen Blood Test is used to diagnose and differentiate between various types of acute viral hepatitis infections, which cause inflammation of the liver. Acute hepatitis can be caused by several viruses, including hepatitis A, B & C, with each having distinct transmission routes, clinical features, and management. Blood tests in a hepatitis screen are essential for identifying the specific virus, understanding the stage of infection, and determining whether the hepatitis is acute (recently acquired) or chronic.

Key Blood Tests Included in an Acute Hepatitis Screen:

1. Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Testing

  • Purpose: Diagnoses acute hepatitis A infection, typically spread through contaminated food or water.
  • Tests Included:
    • HAV IgM Antibody: The presence of HAV IgM antibodies indicates an acute or recent infection with hepatitis A virus.
  • Why It’s Important: Hepatitis A usually causes a self-limiting acute infection, and detecting HAV IgM confirms the diagnosis.

2. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Testing

  • Purpose: Detects acute or chronic hepatitis B infection, which can be transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during childbirth.
  • Tests Included:
    • HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Indicates active hepatitis B infection. The presence of HBsAg in the blood suggests either acute or chronic infection.
  • Why It’s Important: This set of tests helps differentiate between acute, chronic, and resolved hepatitis B infection, providing insights into disease stage and risk of transmission.

3. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing

  • Purpose: Screens for hepatitis C virus, which is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact (e.g., through contaminated needles or blood products).
  • Tests Included:
    • HCV Antibody (Anti-HCV): Detects antibodies to hepatitis C virus, indicating exposure. A positive result suggests past or current infection, but further testing is required to confirm whether the infection is active.
  • Why It’s Important: Acute hepatitis C is often asymptomatic, so identifying active infection early is critical to prevent chronic disease progression and liver damage.

When is an Acute Hepatitis Screen Recommended?

  • Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis: Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain (especially in the upper right quadrant), nausea, vomiting, and dark urine.
  • Known Exposure to Hepatitis: If there has been recent exposure to a person with hepatitis, contaminated water, food, or blood, testing is recommended.
  • Unexplained Elevated Liver Enzymes: If liver function tests show elevated ALT and AST without an obvious cause, a hepatitis screen is often ordered to rule out viral hepatitis.
  • High-Risk Groups: People at higher risk for viral hepatitis (e.g., healthcare workers, IV drug users, individuals who received blood transfusions before screening was common) may require hepatitis testing, especially if symptomatic.

Conclusion:

An acute hepatitis screen blood test is a comprehensive diagnostic tool used to identify the specific type of hepatitis causing liver inflammation. Early detection of the virus (HAV, HBV, HCV) allows for timely medical intervention and prevention of potential complications, such as liver failure or chronic liver disease. These tests differentiate between acute and chronic infections and help tailor appropriate treatment or monitoring.

Results – 4 hours from Laboratory receiving sample

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