What should you know about hepatitis B and C?

Both viruses can inflame the liver and may cause no early symptoms, but their markers and management are different. Hepatitis B testing uses markers such as surface antigen, surface antibody, core antibody, and sometimes viral DNA. Hepatitis C evaluation usually begins with an antibody test and uses viral RNA to check for current infection. A result for one virus does not diagnose the other. Learn about [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/).

Tell your clinician about possible blood exposure, medical procedures, household contact, and previous test results. They can select the right panel rather than assuming that one hepatitis test covers both viruses. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) can show how the liver is responding, but it cannot identify the virus on its own. Hepatitis B can be prevented with [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/); vaccination does not prevent hepatitis C.

Arrange review for a positive hepatitis result, a known exposure, or symptoms such as yellow skin, nausea, right-sided abdominal discomfort, [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/), or persistent [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/). Seek urgent care for confusion, severe vomiting, unusual bleeding, or rapidly worsening illness. Symptoms alone cannot identify which hepatitis virus is involved.

Ask which virus was tested, whether the result indicates exposure or current infection, and whether confirmatory testing is needed. Ask how to protect household contacts, whether vaccination is suitable, and how your liver should be monitored.