Normal Values:

A normal result means no hepatitis antibodies are found in the blood sample. This is called a negative result.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean:

There are different tests for hepatitis A and B. A positive test is considered abnormal.

A positive test may mean:

• You currently have a hepatitis infection. This may be a new infection (acute hepatitis), or it may be an infection that you have had for a long time ( chronic hepatitis).
• You had a hepatitis infection in the past, but you no longer have the infection and cannot spread it to others.

Hepatitis A test results:

• IgM anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies -- you have had a recent infection with hepatitis A
• Total (IgM and IgG) antibodies to hepatitis A -- you have a previous or past infection, or immunity to hepatitis A

Hepatitis B tests:

• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) -- you have an active hepatitis B infection, either recent or chronic
• Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc) -- you have a recent or past hepatitis B infection
• Antibody to HBsAg (Anti-HBs)
  • You have a past hepatitis B infection
  • You have received the hepatitis B vaccine and are unlikely to become infected
• Hepatitis B type e antigen (HBeAg)
  • You have a chronic hepatitis B infection
  • You are more likely to spread the infection to others through sexual contact or by sharing needles

Antibodies to hepatitis C can usually be detected 4 - 10 weeks after the infection occurs. Other types of tests may be done to decide on treatment and monitor the hepatitis C infection.