The Acute Viral Hepatitis Screen is a blood test that checks for current infection with hepatitis A, B and C, the three viruses most likely to cause sudden liver inflammation. It suits anyone with symptoms such as jaundice or unexplained fatigue, or who has had a possible exposure and wants a fast answer. The test costs £175, plus a £50 blood-draw fee, with results in 1 day. You can walk in or book online at 117a Harley Street, seven days a week.
This screen is often requested for symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, nausea or unexplained tiredness that could point to liver inflammation.
It is also used after a possible exposure, such as through contaminated food or water for hepatitis A, or blood or bodily fluid contact for hepatitis B and C.
Some people book it as part of routine health screening, particularly before travel to an area where hepatitis A is more common, or as a precaution after a needlestick injury.
Most people do not need to fast before this test and can eat and drink normally beforehand. Follow any specific instruction from your doctor, and mention the approximate date and nature of any possible exposure to the phlebotomist, as this can affect when results are meaningful.
A positive Hepatitis A IgM or Hepatitis B Surface Antigen result suggests an active infection and needs prompt medical follow-up. A positive Hepatitis C Antibody result shows past exposure and usually needs a further test to check whether the virus is still active.
Some infections are detectable only after a certain window following exposure, so a negative result taken too early does not always rule out infection, and repeat testing may be recommended.
Any positive result on this screen should be discussed with a doctor promptly, both to plan further tests and to consider whether anyone close to you may need to be tested too.
If the concern is sexual exposure, see hepatitis testing at Sexual Health Clinic London.
Written by Mr Stephen Lingam. Reviewed by Dr Mohammad Bakhtiar.
It depends on the virus, since each marker has a window period before it becomes detectable. If your exposure was very recent, ask our team when the most reliable time to test would be.
A negative result is reassuring but not always final if the test was taken very soon after a possible exposure. A doctor can advise whether a repeat test at a later date is worthwhile.
No, they are different viruses with different causes and outlooks. Hepatitis A is usually caught from contaminated food or water and typically resolves on its own, while B and C are spread differently and can sometimes become long-term infections.
Our doctors will talk you through what the result means, arrange any further tests needed, and advise on next steps, including who else might need to be tested.