Hepatitis B and C: The Screening Test Most Adults Have Never Done

Quick answer: Hepatitis B is screened with the HBsAg test, and hepatitis C with the anti-HCV antibody test. A positive HBsAg means current hepatitis B infection; a positive anti-HCV means current or past hepatitis C and needs an HCV RNA test to confirm active infection. Anti-HBs shows whether you are immune to hepatitis B (after vaccination or past infection). Most people with chronic hepatitis B or C have no symptoms for years while the virus can damage the liver — so every adult should be screened at least once, and people at higher risk more often.

Viral hepatitis is one of India's most significant — and least discussed — public health problems. Millions of Indians live with chronic hepatitis B or C, and most don't know it. Left untreated, both can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Both are detectable with simple blood tests, hepatitis B is preventable by vaccine, and hepatitis C is now curable in most people with oral medicines.

How Hepatitis B and C Spread

Both spread through blood and body fluids, not through casual contact, food or water:

• Unsafe injections or reused needles and syringes
• Unscreened blood transfusions (more common in the past)
• Unsterile tattooing, piercing, shaving or dental and medical procedures
• From mother to baby at birth (especially hepatitis B)
• Unprotected sex (more often hepatitis B)
• Sharing razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers

Hepatitis A and E, by contrast, spread through contaminated food and water — see our fever panel guide.

Who Should Get Screened?

• Every adult at least once
• Pregnant women — part of routine antenatal testing. See pregnancy tests
• Couples before marriage — see pre-marital checkup
• Anyone with raised liver enzymes (SGPT/SGOT) — see LFT guide
• People who received blood transfusions or had surgery or dialysis in the past
• Healthcare workers and lab staff
• People with tattoos or piercings done in unregulated settings
• Family members and partners of people with hepatitis B
• People who have ever injected drugs
• Before surgery or chemotherapy

The Tests Explained

HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen)

• Positive: current hepatitis B infection (acute or chronic). Further tests — HBeAg, HBV DNA, LFT and ultrasound — assess the stage
• Negative: no current infection

Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody)

• Positive (usually above 10 mIU/mL): immune — from vaccination or past recovered infection
• Negative: not immune — vaccination is recommended if HBsAg is also negative

Anti-HBc (Hepatitis B Core Antibody)

Shows past or current exposure. Used in specific situations, such as before chemotherapy.

Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C Antibody)

• Positive: current or past infection — confirm with HCV RNA to check whether the virus is still active
• Negative: no evidence of hepatitis C infection (unless exposure was very recent)

Supporting Tests

• Liver function test — liver inflammation
• Ultrasound abdomen — liver structure
• Fibrosis assessment — such as FibroScan, as advised

What If a Test Is Positive?

• Don't panic. Both are manageable, and hepatitis C is curable in most cases
• See a doctor (gastroenterologist or hepatologist) for further tests and treatment decisions
• Get family members tested and vaccinated against hepatitis B if not immune
• Avoid alcohol, which accelerates liver damage
• Don't share razors or toothbrushes; cover cuts

Results are confidential and shared only with you.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. It's part of India's childhood immunisation schedule, but many adults were never vaccinated. If your HBsAg and anti-HBs are both negative, ask your doctor about a vaccine course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which test detects hepatitis B?

The HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) test detects current hepatitis B infection.

Which test detects hepatitis C?

The anti-HCV antibody test screens for hepatitis C. A positive result is confirmed with an HCV RNA test.

Does hepatitis B or C cause symptoms?

Chronic hepatitis B and C often cause no symptoms for years. Screening is the only way to know.

Is hepatitis C curable?

Yes. Most people with hepatitis C can be cured with a course of oral antiviral medicines prescribed by a specialist.

How do I know if I'm immune to hepatitis B?

An anti-HBs test shows immunity. A level above 10 mIU/mL generally indicates protection from vaccination or past infection.

Is fasting needed for hepatitis tests?

No. Hepatitis B and C screening tests do not require fasting.

Book Hepatitis B and C Screening in Gurugram

One blood sample, no fasting, confidential results. Book HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV at our Sector 67 lab or with home collection. Call +91 92663 33711. See our immunology and serology tests.

This article is for general information only. Please consult a doctor for interpretation and treatment.