Hepatitis Panel at AFC Urgent Care

A hepatitis panel is a standard blood test that our providers will use to help screen you for the hepatitis virus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C. (It is possible for someone to be infected with more than one or all three viruses.) These three viruses are the most common cause of someone's liver becoming inflamed, formally known as hepatitis. All three types of viruses can cause similar symptoms to hepatitis, so a panel will be able to help our provider determine which type of viral hepatitis someone has been exposed to.

There are different ways to determine if a patient has a hepatitis virus. Some of our tests will detect antibodies produced by the immune system when an infection occurs, while others will detect proteins and surface antigens.

The Hepatitis Panel at AFC Urgent Care includes:

• Hepatitis A - Virus antibody, Igm Test
• Hepatitis B - Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test
• Hepatitis C - Antibody Test

How long does it take for any Hepatitis Viruses to appear in test results?

It takes several weeks after exposure for a hepatitis viral infection to appear in panel results. Below are the minimum times it takes for one of the viruses to appear in test results:

• Hepatitis A - 2 to 7 weeks after a potential exposure
• Hepatitis B - 6 weeks after a potential exposure. This virus can show up as early as 3 weeks; however, it may not be an accurate result.
• Hepatitis C - 8 to 9 weeks after a potential exposure

What are the symptoms of liver disease that may make someone consider getting tested for hepatitis?

The following symptoms may indicate a problem with someone's liver and should be seen by a provider for diagnostic testing, including testing for hepatitis:

• Dark urine
• Jaundice (Yellowing of skin & whites of the eyes)
• Extreme tiredness
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Fever

These symptoms may take years to show, as this virus slowly damages the liver. A hepatitis panel may be helpful to check for exposure before liver damage occurs and symptoms begin to appear.

How does someone become exposed to the hepatitis virus?

• Hepatitis A - Also known as HAV, it spreads when someone ingests it. This contamination can come from food, drinks, or objects contaminated with feces from an infected person. Infection can also occur from close personal contact, such as sexual intercourse or caring for someone when they are ill.
• Hepatitis B - Also known as HBV, someone can become infected from a person's blood or secretions during sexual intercourse. Infection can also occur when someone is living in a household with an infected person, and they share items used for drug use, like syringes.
• Hepatitis C - Also known as HCV, someone is infected when blood from an infected person enters their system. This commonly occurs when sharing syringes and needles. It is also possible, although less likely, through sexual intercourse or using unsterilized body piercing or tattooing equipment.

What do my hepatitis panel results from AFC Urgent Care mean?

A negative test result means that you do not have an infection. If you test too early after exposure, it may not appear in the test results and instead give a false negative. A positive result indicates that you currently have or were at least exposed to hepatitis A, B, or C. Additional testing may be needed to confirm the infection and the status of a current infection.

Why is hepatitis virus testing necessary for those living in the Philadelphia, PA, area?

Testing for hepatitis helps patients identify potential infections and ensures they get the proper care and treatment. It can also monitor their condition. It can also help prevent the spread of the virus within a community. The severity of viral hepatitis can range from a minor, temporary flu-like illness to a severe liver disease resulting in fatal liver damage. The symptoms, severity, and length of illness depend on the specific virus. Hepatitis can be either:

• Acute - A new infection that lasts less than six months.
• Chronic - A lifelong infection that must be monitored and treated.

Hepatitis A is most likely to cause an acute infection, while hepatitis B and C can lead to a chronic infection that can cause liver inflammation and damage. Continued damage and inflammation to the liver can cause it to not work correctly and cause long-term problems such as:

• Liver Cirrhosis (Liver scarring)
• Liver failure
• Liver cancer

Any of these can be life-threatening, and one of the most common reasons for a liver transplant in the United States is due to liver failure caused by Hepatitis B and C.

What are the risk factors of Hepatitis A, B, or C?

Anyone can be infected with hepatitis A, B, or C. However, certain parts of the community have higher risks of contracting viral hepatitis. The CDC has these recommendations for hepatitis screening.

Higher Risk for Hepatitis A:

• Working with nonhuman primates
• Drug users (injection and non-injection)
• Direct contact with someone with hepatitis A
• Traveling to a country where hepatitis A is common
• Unprotected sexual intercourse with strangers
• Those with clotting disorders, like hemophilia.

Recommendations for Hepatitis B Screening:

• Drug users
• People living with HIV
• Born in a country with a high hepatitis B prevalence
• Unprotected sexual intercourse with strangers
• Those on immunosuppressive therapy
• Those with end-stage renal disease
• Pregnant women
• Elevated ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels

Recommendations for Hepatitis C Screening

• Users of injection drugs
• Adults born between 1945 and 1965
• Adults who received clotting factor concentrates made before 1987
• Adults who received organ transplants or blood transfusions before July 1992
• Adults living with HIV
• Adults with persistently abnormal ALT levels
• Anyone who was at any time on long-term hemodialysis

Come to a local AFC Urgent Care today for a Hepatitis Panel and get screened for hepatitis A, B, or C. We accept most major insurances, and our in-house lab can easily take samples to be tested.

If you have any questions about our Hepatitis Panel, please call your local AFC Urgent Care Center for more information. We are happy to assist you and provide more information.

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