Hepatitis panel blood testing at Urgent Care Center of Westmont in Westmont, IL. One blood draw checks for hepatitis A, B and C. A provider explains your results and what to do next. Walk-ins welcome.
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.
Key facts
CDC now recommends that adults be screened for hepatitis B at least once with a triple panel: HBsAg, surface antibody (anti-HBs) and total core antibody (anti-HBc).
A positive IgM core antibody points to a hepatitis B infection within the past 6 months (CDC).
Hepatitis C antibodies usually take 8 to 11 weeks after exposure to show up, while the virus itself (HCV RNA) can be found in 1 to 2 weeks (CDC).
A reactive hepatitis C antibody alone does not confirm a current infection; an HCV RNA test does.
What the panel checks
A hepatitis panel usually includes:
Hepatitis A antibody test: can show a recent hepatitis A infection
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): a part of the hepatitis B virus that shows a current infection
Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc): shows a current or past hepatitis B infection
Hepatitis C antibody: shows a current or past hepatitis C infection
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.
Who should get a hepatitis panel
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.
How testing works at our Westmont, IL clinic
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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.
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.
Reading your hepatitis B results
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Hepatitis B results come as a pattern of three markers. CDC uses these combinations:
Common hepatitis B result patterns (CDC)
HBsAg
Core antibody
Surface antibody
What it usually means
Negative
Negative
Negative
Never infected and not immune; vaccine recommended
Negative
Negative
Positive
Protected by vaccination
Negative
Positive
Positive
Protected after a past infection that cleared
Positive
Positive (IgM positive)
Negative
Recent (acute) infection
Positive
Positive (IgM negative)
Negative
Long-term (chronic) infection
Negative
Positive
Negative
Unclear; more testing needed
Your clinician explains your exact pattern and what to do next.
Reading your hepatitis C results
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Antibody nonreactive: no hepatitis C infection, unless the exposure was very recent. Then an HCV RNA test may be needed.
Antibody reactive, HCV RNA detected: a current infection. Treatment is effective, and your clinician helps you get connected to care.
Antibody reactive, HCV RNA not detected: no current infection. This usually reflects a past infection that has cleared and needs no further action.
CDC recommends that a reactive antibody test be followed automatically by an HCV RNA test, so you get a clear answer from one blood draw when possible.
Timing your test after an exposure
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Blood tests need time to turn positive. CDC says hepatitis C RNA usually becomes detectable 1 to 2 weeks after exposure, while antibodies take about 8 to 11 weeks. An antibody test done too soon can be falsely negative.
If your exposure was recent, such as a needlestick, shared equipment or a partner's new diagnosis, tell your clinician the date. You may be tested now and again later. For a workplace needlestick, report it to your employer as well; our workers' compensation care page explains how we help.
What happens at your visit
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Private conversationYour clinician asks about symptoms, possible exposures, travel and your vaccine history.
One blood drawA single sample from your arm covers the panel. No fasting is needed.
Results explainedYour clinician walks you through each marker using patterns like the ones above.
Next stepsThat may include hepatitis A or B vaccines through our immunizations service, confirmatory tests or a referral to a liver specialist.
Is a hepatitis panel the same as hepatitis testing?
A panel checks for A, B and C together. A provider may instead order one test if only one type is a concern.
Do I need to fast?
No. MedlinePlus notes that no special preparation is needed.
Does a positive result mean I am sick now?
Not always. Some markers show past infection or vaccine protection. Your provider will explain your result.
Can I get the hepatitis vaccine if I am not immune?
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are available through our immunization services. Call to confirm stock.
What is the difference between a hepatitis panel and a liver panel?
A hepatitis panel looks for signs of the hepatitis A, B and C viruses. A liver panel measures enzymes and proteins that show how well the liver is working, whatever the cause. Your clinician may order both. Read more in what is a liver panel for hepatitis?
How long after exposure will hepatitis show up on a test?
For hepatitis C, CDC says the virus can usually be found 1 to 2 weeks after exposure with an RNA test, while antibodies take about 8 to 11 weeks. For hepatitis B, timing varies. If your exposure was recent, your clinician may test now and again later.
Does a hepatitis panel test for hepatitis D or E?
No. A standard panel checks for hepatitis A, B and C, the most common types in the United States. Other types are tested separately when your history suggests them, such as recent travel or a known hepatitis B infection.
What does it mean if my results show I'm immune from vaccination?
It means your surface antibody is positive while the other hepatitis B markers are negative. CDC reads this pattern as protection from the hepatitis B vaccine. If you finished the vaccine series, you usually do not need more doses.
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“Very impressed. From the receptionist to everyone I came in contact with was very friendly and knowledgeable I highly recommend this place for urgent care”
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