A normal result means no hepatitis antibodies are found in the blood sample. This is called a negative result.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

There are different tests for hepatitis A and B. A positive test is considered abnormal.

Abnormal results on hepatitis A tests:

• IgM anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies -- recent infection with hepatitis A
• Total (IgM and IgG) antibodies to hepatitis A -- previous or current infection, or immunity to hepatitis A

Abnormal results on hepatitis B tests:

• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) -- acute or chronic hepatitis B infection
• Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc) -- previous hepatitis B infection
• Antibody to HBsAg (Anti-HBs) -- immunity to hepatitis B
• Hepatitis B type E antigen (HBeAg) -- chronic, contagious hepatitis B infection or acute infection

Antibodies to hepatitis C can usually be detected 4 - 10 weeks after the infection occurs.