Hepatitis B and C testing prices 2026: HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, RNA

indekscen.pl editorial team · published 30 September 2026 · prices according to the 5 October 2026 index

A private blood test for hepatitis B or C most often costs PLN 42 (typically PLN 41 ‑ 56). The median price of an HBs antigen test, the basic test for hepatitis B, is PLN 42, while an anti-HCV antibody test for hepatitis C costs PLN 40. The more expensive HCV RNA PCR test costs around PLN 295.

Hepatitis B and C can remain asymptomatic for a long time, so an infection is usually discovered through a blood test. However, the term ‘hepatitis test’ covers several different tests that measure different things and vary in price. We have collected median prices from laboratory price lists and explain what each test is used for. It is always worth consulting a doctor about which tests to choose.

How much does a hepatitis B and C test cost?

A private blood test for hepatitis B or C most often costs PLN 42 per test, according to laboratory price lists collected by indekscen.pl, while the typical range is PLN 41 ‑ 56. A basic panel for both types, consisting of an HBs antigen test and an anti-HCV antibody test, costs roughly twice as much. A full list of sources is available on the hepatitis test (HCV, HBs) page.

The prices of individual tests vary mainly according to their complexity. These are the median prices from laboratory price lists:

Median and typical range from public price lists, as at 5 October 2026. Each price includes a source and quotation on the service page.

Test	What it detects	Cost
HBs antigen (HBsAg)	presence of the hepatitis B virus	PLN 42 ‑ 48
Anti-HBs antibodies	immunity following vaccination or a previous hepatitis B infection	PLN 41 ‑ 56, up to PLN 85
Anti-HCV antibodies	previous contact with the hepatitis C virus	PLN 40 ‑ 55
HCV RNA (PCR)	active hepatitis C infection	PLN 255 ‑ 345
Liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin)	liver function, not the virus	around PLN 99

Which hepatitis B test should you choose?

The basic test for hepatitis B is the HBs antigen (HBsAg) test, which most often costs PLN 42 privately. A positive HBsAg result indicates that the virus is present in the body and requires further diagnostic testing by a doctor. A negative result usually rules out an active infection, but the test may not yet detect a very recent infection.

Anti-HBs antibodies are tested for a different reason: the test does not detect the virus but checks for immunity following vaccination or a previous infection. It is most often taken by people who want to know whether they need a booster dose, for example before a procedure or when working in healthcare. Therefore, hBs antigen test (hepatitis B) and anti-HBs tests are not interchangeable.

How much does a hepatitis B antibody test cost?

An anti-HBs antibody test usually costs the same as other hepatitis tests in laboratories, namely PLN 41 ‑ 56, rising to PLN 85 at more expensive collection points operated by laboratory chains. We do not calculate a separate median for anti-HBs alone because we have too few price lists for it. Prices vary between collection points in the same chain, so it is worth comparing them in the laboratory’s online shop before your visit, as tests can be cheaper there.

How much does a hepatitis C test cost?

Testing for hepatitis C begins with an anti-HCV antibody test, which most often costs PLN 40 privately, ranging from PLN 30 at cheaper laboratories to PLN 85 at more expensive collection points. The anti-HCV test is a screening test: a positive result means that the body has encountered the virus, but does not establish whether the infection is ongoing.

Following a positive anti-HCV result, a doctor therefore orders the hCV RNA test using PCR, which usually costs PLN 255 ‑ 345 privately. Only this test confirms an active infection. A quantitative RNA test, which measures the amount of virus, is usually more expensive than a qualitative test.

With a doctor’s referral, an anti-HCV test may be available free of charge through the NFZ (Polish public health insurance). Ask your GP whether you are eligible before paying for a private test.

How can you check whether you have viral hepatitis?

Viral hepatitis is checked with a blood test because symptoms are often mild or entirely absent. The usual sequence is:

1. Screening test: an HBs antigen test for hepatitis B and an anti-HCV antibody test for hepatitis C, together costing roughly twice the price of a single test, or around PLN 80.
2. Discussing the result with a GP or hepatologist.
3. Confirmatory testing if the result is positive: HCV RNA for around PLN 295 or further hepatitis B markers.
4. Liver assessment: liver function tests for around PLN 99 and an abdominal ultrasound for around PLN 200, if recommended by a doctor.

A test result alone is not a diagnosis. Its interpretation and any further steps should always be determined by a doctor.

How long does it take to receive hepatitis test results?

Hepatitis test results are usually available within 1 to 3 working days, and some laboratories provide HBsAg results online within 24 hours. HCV RNA PCR testing takes longer, as many collection points send samples to a larger laboratory. If you need the result before a procedure, ask the collection point about the turnaround time before paying.

What are the first symptoms of hepatitis?

The first symptoms of viral hepatitis are non-specific: fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and pain below the right ribs. Jaundice, dark urine and pale stools may develop later. Many people with hepatitis C have no symptoms for years, so a screening test costing around PLN 40 can be worthwhile even without symptoms. If you have symptoms, do not rely on arranging tests yourself, but see a doctor.

When is it worth getting tested for hepatitis?

It is worth getting tested for hepatitis at least once in your lifetime, even without symptoms, because hepatitis B and C infections can remain asymptomatic for years. Doctors pay particular attention to situations in which the risk of exposure to the virus is higher:

• before a planned procedure or operation, if required by the hospital,
• after procedures that break the skin, such as a tattoo or piercing performed at a place with uncertain hygiene standards,
• after a blood transfusion received many years ago,
• when working in healthcare, a laboratory or the beauty industry,
• if someone in your household has hepatitis B or C,
• during pregnancy, when tests are ordered by the doctor providing antenatal care.

This is not a substitute for speaking to a doctor, who will select the appropriate set of tests based on your medical history. Screening for both types of virus alone usually costs around PLN 80, which is less than a single private appointment with a specialist.

Can the body clear hepatitis B on its own?

In most adults, an acute hepatitis B infection resolves on its own within a few months, but in some people it becomes chronic. The opposite is true for infants and young children: the infection is much more likely to become chronic. Follow-up tests show whether the body has cleared the virus, for example an HBs antigen test costing around PLN 42, repeated after several months. The follow-up testing schedule is determined by a doctor.

How can you avoid overpaying for hepatitis tests?

• Ask about a referral. A GP can order tests through the NFZ (Polish public health insurance).
• Compare prices online. Laboratory chains offer lower prices in their online shops than at the counter.
• Do not buy expensive tests straight away. HCV RNA testing is carried out after a positive anti-HCV result, not instead of the antibody test.
• Check whether blood collection is included. Some collection points charge for it separately.

We compare the prices of other blood tests in the articles full blood count with differential: price and CRP: what is the test and how much does it cost?. You can find more prices for tests and appointments in the health category.

The prices in this article come from public laboratory price lists and medical articles. Each price is accompanied by its source, date and verbatim quotation on the how much does hepatitis testing cost? page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an anti-HBs antibody test cost?

Przeciwciała anty-HBs, które sprawdzają odporność po szczepieniu na WZW B, kosztują zwykle PLN 41 ‑ 56, a w droższych punktach pobrań do PLN 85.

How much does a hepatitis C test cost?

Podstawowe badanie na WZW C, czyli przeciwciała anty-HCV, kosztuje prywatnie zwykle PLN 40 ‑ 55. Na skierowanie lekarza badanie może być bezpłatne w ramach NFZ.

Is hepatitis B testing carried out during pregnancy?

Tak, badanie antygenu HBs należy do badań wykonywanych w ciąży w ramach opieki NFZ, na skierowanie lekarza prowadzącego. Prywatnie ten sam test kosztuje zwykle PLN 42 ‑ 48.

Do you need to fast before a hepatitis test?

Badania HBsAg, anty-HBs i anty-HCV zwykle nie wymagają bycia na czczo, ale część laboratoriów zaleca pobranie rano. Jeśli robisz je razem z próbami wątrobowymi za około PLN 99, przyjdź na czczo.

Can you get a hepatitis test without a referral?

Tak, prywatnie w laboratorium bez skierowania za około PLN 42 za jeden test. Wynik warto omówić z lekarzem, bo samo oznaczenie nie obejmuje konsultacji.

Translation of the original Polish article dated 30 September 2026. Quotations from price lists are in Polish, as published by the companies. Read the original in Polish.

Found an error? Report it. Do you provide these services? Add your company's price list free of charge.