A hepatitis panel is a group of blood tests that checks for hepatitis A, B and C, the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States. It looks for antigens (parts of the virus) and antibodies (proteins your body makes in response) using a single blood sample.
Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, offers hepatitis panel testing for people with symptoms, a possible exposure, or a need for screening. A provider explains what each marker means and what to do next.
A hepatitis panel usually includes:
MedlinePlus notes that a hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) test may also be done. It can show protection from a past infection or from vaccination.
Testing is often recommended if you have signs of hepatitis, such as yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, fever, tiredness or belly pain. It is also advised for people with risk factors, such as sharing needles, work that involves blood, or a weak immune system. The CDC recommends that all adults be screened for hepatitis B and C at least once.
A provider reviews your symptoms, exposures and vaccine history, then orders the right tests. Blood is drawn from your arm. No special preparation is needed.
A negative result usually means no infection, but testing may need to be repeated if the exposure was recent. A positive result can mean a current or past infection, so more tests are often needed to tell whether an infection is new or long-term. For hepatitis C, the CDC explains that a positive antibody test is followed by a test for the virus (HCV RNA). Your provider will explain the next steps, which may include vaccines, follow-up testing or a referral.
Go to the nearest emergency room for yellow skin or eyes with confusion, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, a rapidly swelling belly, or severe belly pain. Call 911 for chest pain or pressure, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, trouble speaking, sudden loss of balance or vision), severe bleeding, fainting or a seizure.
We test patients from Westmont, IL and nearby towns including Clarendon Hills, IL, Lisle, IL, La Grange, IL and Oakbrook Terrace, IL.
Hours at both sites: Monday through Friday 9 AM to 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM. Walk-ins are welcome, and online check-in lets you hold your place. Visit us at 29 N Cass Ave, Ste A, Westmont, IL, or at our Jewel-Osco location, 4 E Ogden Ave, Westmont, IL.
Most major plans are accepted, including BCBS PPO and HMO plans, Medicare, Meridian, CountyCare and State of Illinois Benefit Plans. Plans change, so call (630) 324-6825 to check your coverage for a hepatitis panel. Details are on our insurance and cost page.
If you pay for yourself, our self-pay services page explains our flat, upfront prices. We are happy to go over costs with you first.
A panel checks for A, B and C together. A provider may instead order one test if only one type is a concern.
No. MedlinePlus notes that no special preparation is needed.
Not always. Some markers show past infection or vaccine protection. Your provider will explain your result.
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are available through our immunization services. Call to confirm stock.
Sources: MedlinePlus: Hepatitis Panel, CDC: Hepatitis C Testing, CDC: Hepatitis B Testing.
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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