HIV and Hepatitis B & C Screening
Blood tests that check for signs of HIV infection or of a current or past viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C) infection.
HIV and Hepatitis B & C Screening
Blood tests that check for signs of HIV infection or of a current or past viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C) infection.
Also known as
- Viral markers
- HIV, HBsAg, anti-HCV
What it measures
- Signs of HIV infection
- Hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antibody (markers of hepatitis B and C)
Why a doctor may order it
HIV testing may be done as a routine test or after a possible exposure. Hepatitis testing may be done if you have symptoms such as jaundice, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine or belly pain, or to check for infection even without symptoms.
What it helps evaluate
They can show whether there are signs of these infections. A screening result usually needs to be confirmed with further tests — for HIV, a follow-up test is needed to confirm a diagnosis, and for hepatitis other tests are used to confirm a diagnosis and find out whether an infection is acute or long-term.
Preparation
No special preparation is needed for these tests.
Fasting
No fasting is needed.
Important considerations
- A result can be too early to show an infection, so you may need to be tested again later.
- These are sensitive tests — a doctor or counsellor can explain what a result means and what happens next.
Discuss results with your doctor
Talk to a doctor or counsellor about your risk and your result. Symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes need prompt medical attention.