Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean? - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

More Info

---

Understanding your Hepatitis B test results is crucial for managing your health, especially if you are a carrier of the virus. Based on the results you provided, let's break down what each component means and how they relate to your overall health status.

1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Your result shows 0.00 IU/mL, which is considered negative. This indicates that there is no active Hepatitis B virus in your bloodstream at the time of testing. HBsAg is a marker for active infection; a negative result suggests that you are not currently infectious.

2. HBsAb (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody): Your result is 53.08 mIU/mL, which is positive. This indicates that you have developed antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus, likely due to either a past infection or vaccination. A positive HBsAb result suggests that your immune system has successfully responded to the virus, providing you with immunity.

3. AST/GOT and ALT/GPT (Liver Enzymes): Your AST is 25 U/L and ALT is 24 U/L, both of which fall within the normal range. These enzymes are indicators of liver health; elevated levels can suggest liver inflammation or damage. Since your levels are normal, this is a positive sign that your liver is functioning well.

4. Total Bilirubin: Your result is 0.6 mg/dL, which is also within the normal range. Bilirubin levels can indicate how well your liver is processing waste; normal levels suggest that your liver is functioning properly.

5. AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein): Your result is 1.71 ng/mL, which is below the threshold of 8.78 ng/mL. AFP is a marker that can be elevated in liver cancer or severe liver disease. A normal AFP level is reassuring and suggests that there is no immediate concern for liver cancer.


Conclusion
Based on these results, it appears that you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B, and you have developed immunity against it. This is a favorable outcome, especially for someone who has been a carrier in the past. The combination of a negative HBsAg, a positive HBsAb, and normal liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin, and AFP) suggests that your liver is healthy and that you are not at risk of transmitting the virus to others.


Recommendations
1. Regular Monitoring: Even though your current results are positive, it is essential to continue regular monitoring with your healthcare provider. Hepatitis B can have long-term effects, and regular check-ups can help catch any changes early.

2. Vaccination: If you have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis A, consider discussing this with your doctor, as co-infection can complicate liver health.

3. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and other substances that can harm the liver.

4. Follow-Up Tests: Depending on your medical history and risk factors, your doctor may recommend additional tests or screenings to ensure ongoing liver health.

In summary, your test results indicate that you are in a good place regarding Hepatitis B, with no active infection and evidence of immunity. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and follow-up care.