Hepatitis A B and C Profile Blood Test

Total protein measures the combined amount of albumin and globulin in your blood. These proteins have important functions including maintaining fluid balance, transporting nutrients, and supporting immune function. Abnormal total protein levels may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or immune system disorders. In chronic liver disease, total protein may be reduced due to impaired albumin production.

Albumin is the main protein made by the liver. It helps keep fluid within blood vessels, transports hormones and medications, and supports tissue growth and healing. Because albumin is produced by the liver, low levels can indicate liver disease. In chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, albumin production decreases, leading to low blood levels. This can cause fluid accumulation (oedema and ascites) and is used to assess the severity of liver damage.

Globulins are a group of proteins produced by the liver and immune system. They include immunoglobulins (antibodies) that help fight infection, as well as proteins that transport metals and other substances in the blood. Elevated globulin levels may indicate chronic infection, inflammation, or autoimmune conditions. In chronic hepatitis, globulin levels often increase as the immune system responds to ongoing infection or inflammation. The albumin-to-globulin ratio can provide additional information about liver function.

ALT is an enzyme found predominantly in the liver. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, ALT leaks into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels. ALT is one of the most sensitive markers for liver damage and is particularly useful for detecting hepatitis-related liver inflammation. Elevated ALT levels may indicate viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver damage, or medication-induced liver injury. In viral hepatitis, ALT levels often rise significantly during acute infection and may remain elevated in chronic infection.

ALP is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and bones. In the liver, ALP is associated with the bile ducts. Elevated levels may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or bone disorders. When combined with other liver enzymes like ALT and GGT, ALP helps distinguish between different types of liver conditions. Elevated ALP with elevated GGT typically indicates a liver or bile duct problem rather than a bone condition.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a liver enzyme that is particularly sensitive to alcohol consumption and bile duct problems. It is raised in liver and bile duct diseases and is used alongside ALP to help distinguish liver from bone disease. GGT is elevated in approximately 75% of long-term heavy drinkers. It is also raised in viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, bile duct obstruction, and with certain medications. Monitoring GGT can help track liver recovery or ongoing damage.

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. It is processed by the liver and excreted in bile. Elevated bilirubin levels cause jaundice—the yellowing of the skin and eyes that is often associated with hepatitis and other liver conditions. Raised bilirubin may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or increased red blood cell breakdown. In viral hepatitis, bilirubin often rises during acute infection and indicates impaired liver function.

Hepatitis C is a virus that infects and damages the liver. It is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, most commonly through sharing needles, but can also spread through unprotected sex with an infected person or from mother to baby during childbirth. Hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV) are produced by the immune system in response to HCV infection. A positive result indicates exposure to the virus at some point, but cannot distinguish between current active infection and past infection that has cleared. Many people with hepatitis C have no noticeable symptoms for years, but chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, and liver cancer if untreated. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but it can be cured with antiviral medications. A positive antibody result requires further testing (HCV RNA) to confirm active infection.

Hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) are produced by the immune system in response to the hepatitis B surface antigen. Their presence indicates immunity to hepatitis B, either from vaccination or recovery from a past infection. Interpreting Results: A level greater than 10 IU/L generally indicates sufficient immunity for most people. Healthcare workers performing exposure-prone procedures require levels greater than 100 IU/L. A result less than 10 IU/L indicates no immunity, and vaccination or booster may be recommended. This test is commonly used for occupational health screening and to confirm successful vaccination response.

Hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) are produced in response to the hepatitis B core antigen, which is found inside the virus particle. Unlike surface antibodies, core antibodies indicate actual infection with HBV (not vaccination). IgM Anti-HBc: Indicates recent or acute HBV infection. This marker appears early during infection and typically remains detectable for approximately 6 months. IgG Anti-HBc: Indicates past infection with HBV. This marker persists for life and, when combined with positive anti-HBs and negative HBsAg, indicates resolved infection with immunity.