Hepatitis is an inflammation and enlargement of the liver. One of the most common causes of acute hepatitis is infection with a hepatitis virus, usually hepatitis A, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. An acute viral hepatitis panel is a group of blood tests often performed together to help diagnose viral hepatitis. Some of the tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the infection and one detects proteins (antigens) that indicate the presence of the virus.
A hepatitis panel typically includes:
- Hepatitis A antibody, IgM
- Hepatitis B tesing: Hepatitis B core antibody, IgM and Hepatitis B surface Ag
- Hepatitis C antibody
Hepatitis Panel
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Most often, hepatitis is caused by infection with certain viruses. However, liver inflammation can also result from exposure to chemicals, over-the-counter or prescription drugs, heavy alcohol use, inherited diseases, autoimmune disease, or fatty buildup in the liver.