Screening for hepatitis B and C

Many people with hepatitis do not feel sick until liver damage happens. So it's important to get checked for the condition.

Screening recommendations for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) are generally the same. Healthcare professionals say that all adults should be tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C at least once, even if they feel fine. Hepatitis screening tests also should be done during every pregnancy. A pregnant person with hepatitis can spread the virus to the baby during childbirth. A baby born to someone with hepatitis also should be checked.

Your healthcare team also may recommend testing for hepatitis if you know you've been exposed or if you have behaviors or habits that raise your risk.

Blood tests can tell if you have hepatitis B or hepatitis C, or both.

To test for hepatitis B, the lab usually does three tests. The tests look for a current infection, past infection, and if you are protected by the HBV vaccine. It can take up to four weeks for traces of the hepatitis B virus to show up in a blood test.

To test for hepatitis C, the lab usually does two tests at different times. The first one checks if you have been infected with HCV. It can take up to six months for the virus to show up in a blood test. If it's positive, a second test is done to tell if the virus is still active in your body.

If your tests are negative but you think you've been around the hepatitis B or C virus, your healthcare team may do the test again at a later date.