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Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV)

Also referred as

Triple H (HIV

HBV

HCV)

HIV Combo+HbsAg+Anti-HCV

Screening-CMIA/CLIA

Performed by : CMIA/ CLIA

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3 tests

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The Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) is a group of blood tests used to detect the presence of certain viral infections in the body. This screening helps identify if a person has been infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

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Understanding Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV)

HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It attacks the immune cells that help the body fight infection, making an infected person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. Hepatitis B and C are highly contagious liver infections. Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic HBV or HCV infections can lead to liver damage and other complications. A Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test detects the presence of viral markers, including antigens and antibodies, produced by the body in response to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV infections.

People with HIV are most likely to get infected by chronic hepatitis. This co-infection causes more liver-related health problems. Hence, it is important to identify these risks early. A viral marker screening test can help detect these infections. It also helps in taking preventive steps and seeking medical care if needed.

Your doctor may suggest this test if you have risk factors for HIV, HBV, or HCV infections. Risk factors may include:

A weakened immunity
Unsafe sexual practices
Intravenous drug use
Occupational exposure to blood
Potential exposure through medical procedures.

Additionally, this test is also done in pregnant women as a part of prenatal care. This is because infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C can be passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Fasting is not needed for viral marker screening tests. You can eat and drink as per your daily routine. Let your doctor know about all the medications you are taking, as some of them can affect the test results. Also, a duly filled consent form is mandatory for sample collection.

Test results depend upon various factors such as clinical history, time of sample collection, etc. Discuss your specific test results with your doctor. Based on your test results, doctors may suggest some lifestyle adjustments, prescribe medications to manage your condition, and develop a holistic treatment plan.

What does Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) measure?

Contains 3 tests

The Viral Marker Test (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) is a blood test that helps detect serious viral infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. It measures specific markers in the blood that appear when a person is infected with these viruses.

HIV antigen and antibody test looks for the virus that attacks the immune system.
HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) test checks for Hepatitis B infection.
HCV test detects antibodies against the Hepatitis C virus, showing if a person has been exposed to it.

This test helps in early detection of infections, even when symptoms are not present. It is especially useful before surgeries, blood transfusions, during pregnancy, and in high-risk individuals. Early diagnosis helps in preventing the spread of infections and allows timely medical care.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test determines the status of current hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or past HCV infection that has been resolved. This test, therefore, helps your doctor to guide an appropriate treatment plan. HCV causes liver inflammation and is classified into acute hepatitis infection and chronic hepatitis infection.

Acute hepatitis C: This occurs in the first six months after exposure to the hepatitis C virus. In the early stage of the infection, acute hepatitis C is mild and may cause no symptoms. For this reason, most people do not know they have this infection.
Chronic hepatitis C: If your body is unable to fight off the virus, you can develop a chronic hepatitis C infection. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in about 75-85% of patients. Detecting chronic hepatitis C at the early stage is important to prevent future complications, such as liver failure, and initiate effective treatment.

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test is used for screening for anti-HCV antibodies. A reactive result needs to be confirmed by other more specific NAT/ nucleic acid tests before final diagnosis.

Know more about Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test detects the presence of a specific protein on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the bloodstream. This protein, HBsAg, serves as a crucial marker for identifying HBV infection. This is a screening test and the diagnosis of any reactive HBsAg result relies on additional supplemental tests like anti-HBs antibody and total anti-HBc antibodies. Confirmation can be done using nucleic acid tests like HBV DNA by PCR. The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test is essential for identifying individuals who require medical intervention, such as antiviral therapy, and for implementing measures to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B virus to others.

Know more about Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)

HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test

An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test simultaneously detects HIV p24 antigen and antibodies associated with HIV 1 & 2. The HIV p24 antigen is the most abundant HIV protein. Its detection is used clinically to diagnose an HIV infection early on since HIV-specific antibodies are not detectable in a very recently acquired infection.

HIV-1 was discovered first and is the most widespread. HIV-2 is more than 55% genetically different from HIV-1. The transmission rate of HIV-2 is also slower than HIV-1.

Know more about HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test

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FAQs related to Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV)

When is the Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test done?

The Viral Marker Screening (HIV, HBsAg, Anti-HCV) test is a screening test done if you exhibit signs and symptoms suggestive of viral hepatitis B or C and HIV infections. It can be done before all elective or emergency procedures and during pregnancy. This test is also suggested for people who have higher risk factors like sharing needles, abusing intravenous drugs, and indulging in unprotected sexual activities.

What are the symptoms that require the viral marker screening test?

The symptoms that require a viral marker screening test may vary from person to person. Symptoms usually depend on the type of virus a person is exposed to. However, Most common symptoms that may need a viral marker test are flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain), jaundice symptoms (like yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent cough rashes on the skin, etc.

How is the viral marker screening test performed?

A trained professional will clean your skin and take a blood sample from a vein using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the laboratory for analysis.

Are there any risks associated with the viral marker screening test?

No, the viral marker screening test is generally safe with minimal risks. You may feel slight discomfort during blood sample collection, but serious complications are rare.

Do I need to make any special preparations for the test?

No fasting is required for the viral marker screening test. However, it is essential to follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.

What should I do if my viral marker screening test is reactive?

This test is only an initial screening test for detecting HbsAg, HCV antibodies and HIV (p24 antigen and HIV 1&2 antibodies). However, this is just a preliminary screening. It is important to undergo more specific tests such as Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT), including HCV RNA and HBV DNA, as recommended by the CDC. For HIV, as per NACO guidelines, all initially reactive samples are tested using three different methods before confirming the result. In some cases, a Western Blot Test may be used for further confirmation.

How can I prevent hepatitis B infection?

Hepatitis B can be best prevented by vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective and should be given in three doses for full protection (at 0, 1, and 6 months).

How can I prevent hepatitis C infection?

There is no vaccination available for hepatitis C. However, the best way to prevent hepatitis C infection is by avoiding activities that can spread the disease, especially injecting drugs with non-sterile injection equipment, practicing unsafe sex, etc.

Is an HIV infection curable?

An HIV infection is not curable, but proper treatment can be started if the infection is diagnosed at an early stage. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to treat the infection. This therapy helps reduce the levels of the virus in the body, which will improve health.

How do these infections spread?

These viruses can spread through: 1) Blood-to-blood contact (e.g., sharing needles) 2) Unprotected sex 3) From mother to child during childbirth 4) Through infected blood or organ transplants

How does Tata 1mg ensure accurate lab test results?

Tata 1mg ensures accurate lab test results through certified laboratories. Tata 1mg uses advanced technology and adheres to stringent quality control measures. This commitment to high standards guarantees reliable results.

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MBBS, MD Lab Medicine

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Last Updated

6th Oct 2025