Hepatitis Tests & Panels in Massachusetts

Hepatitis tests are blood tests that check for signs of hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver, most often caused by viruses. They are ordered to screen for infection, to see whether a person has been exposed or vaccinated, or to monitor known liver inflammation.

What it measures

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) — A protein from the hepatitis B virus; if present, it can mean a current infection.
Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) — A marker that usually means you are protected, often from vaccination or past infection.
Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) — Shows whether you have ever been exposed to hepatitis B.
Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) — Screens for past or current hepatitis C exposure; a positive result is usually followed by a viral RNA test.
Hepatitis C RNA — Detects the virus itself and can show whether an infection is active.
Hepatitis A antibody (IgM and total) — Helps show a current or past hepatitis A infection or prior vaccination.

Who it is for

A clinician may order these tests if you have symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, or belly pain, if you have risk factors for viral hepatitis, or as routine screening during pregnancy or before certain treatments.

Preparation

No fasting is usually required. Tell the lab or clinician about any medicines, supplements, or recent vaccinations, because these can sometimes affect results.

Results and what they mean

Results are reported as positive, negative, or with a measured level, depending on the marker. A single result rarely tells the whole story, so a clinician interprets it alongside your history, symptoms, and other tests. This is general information, not medical advice; discuss your results with a qualified clinician.

Requesting the Hepatitis Tests & Panels in Massachusetts

Order online, choose a certified collection site in Massachusetts, and review results through a secure portal. No referral is required, and orders are processed confidentially. With short distances between towns that keep most people within an easy drive of a draw site, it pays to schedule your collection in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before a hepatitis panel?

No. Fasting is not typically needed for hepatitis blood tests.

Can hepatitis tests tell if I was vaccinated?

Some markers, such as hepatitis B surface antibody, can show that you are protected, often from vaccination.

What if my hepatitis C antibody test is positive?

A positive antibody result is usually followed by a hepatitis C RNA test to see whether the virus is still present.

How long until I get results?

Results commonly come back within 1 to 3 business days, though timing can vary by lab.

Hepatitis Tests & Panels by city in Massachusetts

All testing in Massachusetts → Full Hepatitis Tests & Panels guide →