Understanding the Hepatitis Delta Virus Antibody blood test

The Hepatitis Delta Virus Antibody test is a blood test that detects antibodies produced in response to Hepatitis Delta Virus infection. Hepatitis Delta Virus is a unique virus that cannot infect on its own and only occurs in individuals who are infected with Hepatitis B virus.

This test is used to identify whether a person with current or past Hepatitis B infection has also been exposed to Hepatitis Delta Virus. Co-infection or superinfection with Hepatitis Delta Virus can significantly worsen liver disease and accelerate progression to cirrhosis or liver failure.

Testing for Hepatitis Delta Virus antibodies is therefore a critical step in comprehensive viral hepatitis evaluation, particularly in patients with unexplained liver deterioration or severe disease despite known Hepatitis B infection.

When testing for Hepatitis Delta Virus Antibody is clinically important

This test is recommended for individuals who have or previously had Hepatitis B infection, especially when liver inflammation is more severe than expected or when liver function worsens rapidly.

Hepatitis Delta Virus infection may cause more aggressive liver disease and poorer long-term outcomes compared to Hepatitis B alone. Early identification allows for closer monitoring and appropriate referral to specialist care.

Testing may be appropriate if you:

• Have confirmed Hepatitis B infection
• Have worsening liver function without clear explanation
• Show rapid progression of liver disease
• Have persistently raised liver enzymes
• Are from or have travelled to areas where Hepatitis Delta Virus is more common
• Have risk factors for blood-borne viral infections
• Are being assessed prior to specialist hepatology referral

Key benefits of the Hepatitis Delta Virus Antibody test

• Identifies exposure to Hepatitis Delta Virus
  Confirms whether additional viral infection is present.
• Essential for people with Hepatitis B
  Hepatitis Delta Virus only occurs alongside Hepatitis B.
• Supports accurate disease staging
  Helps explain severe or rapidly progressing liver disease.
• Guides specialist referral decisions
  Positive results prompt hepatology input.
• Improves long-term risk assessment
  Identifies individuals at higher risk of complications.
• Clarifies unexplained liver inflammation
  Useful when liver damage seems disproportionate.
• Simple blood test with no preparation required
  No fasting or lifestyle changes needed.
• Supports informed monitoring and management
  Enables appropriate follow-up and surveillance planning.

How the test is carried out

We offer two convenient UK-wide testing options:

Clinic-based blood testing

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• A healthcare professional collects a blood sample
• The sample is analysed in a certified laboratory
• Results are issued once testing is complete

Home or hotel blood collection (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home, workplace, or hotel
• Blood is collected at a time that suits you
• No clinic visit required
• Available nationwide across the UK

Both options provide identical laboratory accuracy and clinical reliability.

Understanding your Hepatitis Delta Virus Antibody results

Antibody not detected (Negative result)

No Hepatitis Delta Virus antibodies were detected, suggesting no evidence of current or past exposure to Hepatitis Delta Virus.

Typical UK laboratory reporting:

• Negative / Non-reactive

This result indicates Hepatitis B infection without Hepatitis Delta Virus involvement.

Borderline result

A borderline result means antibody levels are not clearly positive or negative. This may occur during early exposure or due to technical variation.

Typical UK laboratory reporting:

• Equivocal / Indeterminate

Repeat testing or further investigation may be recommended.

Antibody detected (Positive result)

The presence of Hepatitis Delta Virus antibodies indicates current or previous exposure to Hepatitis Delta Virus in the context of Hepatitis B infection.

Typical UK laboratory reporting:

• Positive / Reactive

Further evaluation by a specialist is usually advised to assess liver health and disease activity.