What is the Acute Viral Hepatitis Screen?

The Acute Viral Hepatitis Screen is a blood test panel designed to identify recent or active viral infections that cause liver inflammation. It focuses on detecting markers associated with acute hepatitis, where liver injury develops rapidly rather than over many years.

This screen is commonly used when liver enzymes rise suddenly or when symptoms suggest recent liver infection. By identifying viral causes early, clinicians can differentiate viral hepatitis from medication-induced, autoimmune or metabolic liver conditions.

Acute viral hepatitis is often caused by hepatitis A, B or early hepatitis C infection, and timely diagnosis is essential for appropriate monitoring, infection control and patient counselling.

Why do I need a test for Acute Viral Hepatitis?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of sudden liver inflammation or abnormal liver blood tests with no clear explanation. Acute hepatitis can range from mild illness to severe liver dysfunction and may require close medical follow-up.

Testing is also important if there has been recent exposure risk, such as contaminated food or water, unprotected sexual contact, needle exposure or contact with an infected individual. Early identification supports both clinical care and public health measures.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Sudden fatigue or weakness
• Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Right upper abdominal pain
• Recent abnormal liver enzymes (ALT, AST)
• Recent travel to endemic regions
• Possible exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids
• Contact with a known hepatitis case

Benefits of the Acute Viral Hepatitis Screen

• Identifies recent viral liver infection
  Confirms whether acute hepatitis is caused by viral infection rather than other conditions.
• Differentiates acute from chronic liver disease
  Helps distinguish recent infection from long-standing hepatitis.
• Supports timely clinical management
  Allows appropriate monitoring and referral when needed.
• Reduces unnecessary investigations
  Clarifies the cause of liver enzyme elevation early.
• Guides infection control and prevention
  Identifies contagious infections requiring precautions.
• Useful after exposure or travel risk
  Helps assess infection following high-risk events.
• Supports public health reporting when required
  Some acute hepatitis infections require notification.
• Simple and non-invasive testing
  Requires only a standard blood sample.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for acute hepatitis markers.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is packaged and transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Access your report

You can download and share your results with your GP or liver specialist if follow-up is required.

Your Results Explained

Negative Results

Negative results indicate no evidence of acute viral hepatitis at the time of testing.
This suggests liver inflammation is likely due to another cause and may require further evaluation.

Normal / Expected Findings

An expected result means no acute viral markers were detected.
Liver enzyme abnormalities may be transient or related to non-viral causes.

Positive Results

Positive markers indicate recent or active viral hepatitis infection.
This confirms a viral cause of acute liver inflammation and may require monitoring, supportive care or referral depending on severity.