What are HBV and HCV? HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) and HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) are viruses that affect the liver and can cause acute or chronic infections.
In some cases, the infection may not cause symptoms for a long time. Early detection through testing helps assess the health status and determine the appropriate next steps.
How are they transmitted? HBV and HCV can be transmitted through contact with infected blood. HBV can also be transmitted through sexual contact and from mother to child during childbirth. Risk may be associated with:
How is the test performed? Testing for HBV and HCV is performed using a venous blood sample. Depending on the requested analysis, the following may be tested:
When is testing recommended? Testing may be recommended:
What does a positive result mean? A positive result is not interpreted in the same way for every marker. Depending on the test performed, it may indicate a current infection, a past infection, or previous exposure to the virus.
For this reason, the results should be interpreted by a physician and, if necessary, supplemented with additional tests.
Why is testing important? Hepatitis B and C can develop without symptoms for a long time. Testing helps detect the infection early, allowing the patient to receive appropriate medical evaluation and follow-up. Sample Venous blood Preparation
Fasting is generally not required unless the physician has requested other tests that require specific preparation.
HBV is the Hepatitis B virus, while HCV is the Hepatitis C virus. Both can cause liver infection and, in some cases, chronic infection.
The test is performed using a venous blood sample collected at the laboratory.
You do not need to fast for HBV and HCV testing.
Yes. Hepatitis B and C can remain asymptomatic for a long time. Testing can help detect the infection even when a person feels well.
A physician may recommend testing in cases of:
Yes. Testing for hepatitis B is particularly important during pregnancy, as the infection can be transmitted from mother to child. Inform your physician or the laboratory if you are pregnant.
This depends on the requested profile. For HBV, markers such as HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs may be analyzed, while for HCV, anti-HCV antibodies and, when indicated, viral RNA (HCV RNA) are usually tested.
Not necessarily. The meaning of a positive result depends on the specific marker identified. Additional tests may be required to determine whether it indicates an active infection, a past infection, or previous exposure to the virus.
A negative result indicates that the marker being tested for was not detected in the sample analyzed. However, if the test was performed very soon after possible exposure, your physician may recommend repeating the test after an appropriate period.
Yes. Many people with hepatitis B or C may have no symptoms, particularly in the early stages.
Yes. Effective treatments are available for hepatitis B and C. For hepatitis C, modern antiviral treatments can lead to a cure in most cases. Chronic hepatitis B can be controlled with treatment and medical monitoring.
Yes. An effective vaccine is available against hepatitis B. There is currently no available vaccine for hepatitis C.
Yes, if you have an active infection. The risk and route of transmission differ between HBV and HCV. If the result is positive, your physician will advise you on preventive measures and the appropriate next steps.
If an HBV or HCV infection is identified, your physician may recommend testing close contacts or your partner, depending on the situation and the possible route of exposure.
Not always. Depending on the initial result, additional serological markers, molecular tests, or liver function tests may be required to determine whether the infection is active and to assess the condition of the liver.
Yes. The results should be interpreted by a physician in combination with your medical history and other test results, when necessary.
