Hepatitis Testing

Serological tests for specific hepatitis virus markers assist in determining the specific type of hepatitis. Tests for hepatitis include radioimmunoassay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and microparticle enzyme immunoassay.

Nursing Considerations

  • If the radioimmunoassay technique is being used, the injection of radionuclides within 1 week before the blood test is performed may cause falsely elevated results.
  • Hepatitis A: Presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody to Hepatitis A and presence of total antibody (IgG and IgM) may suggest recent or current Hep A infection.
  • Hepatitis B: Detection of Hep B core Antigen (HBcAg), envelope antigen (HBeAg), and surface antigen (HBsAg), or their corresponding antibodies.
  • Hepatitis C: Confirmed by the presence of antibodies to Hep C virus.
  • Hepatitis D: Detection of Hep D antigen (HDAg) early in the course of infection and detection of Hep D virus antibody in later stages of the disease.
  • Hepatitis E: Specific serological tests for hepatitis E virus include detection of IgM and IgG antibodies to hepatitis E.