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

Hepatitis B testing

Hello Dr.
Chen: My hepatitis B test report is as follows:
Test Name: Blood
Report Date: 1070518
Test Item: Anti HCV
Result: Negative
Unit: S/CO
Standard (Low): 0.06
Standard (High): 1.0
Test Item: HBc IgG (Hepatitis B Core Antigen Antibody)
Result: Positive
Test Item: HBs Ag (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen)
Result: Negative
Unit: S/CO
Standard (Low): 0.19
Standard (High): 1.0
I understand the negative results, but I cannot comprehend the positive results.
Could you please clarify whether I have hepatitis B or not? Thank you!

YOYO, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/19

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, sir.
As long as it is less than [the threshold], it is considered negative.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shidian.

Reply Date: 2018/05/19

More Info

Understanding your Hepatitis B test results can be quite complex, especially when interpreting the implications of positive and negative results. Based on the information you provided, let's break down the results and their meanings.

1. Anti HCV (Hepatitis C Virus Antibody): Your result is negative (0.06 S/CO), which indicates that you do not have a current or past infection with Hepatitis C. This is a good sign, as it means you are not infected with this virus.

2. HBc IgG (Hepatitis B Core Antibody, IgG): Your result is positive. This indicates that you have been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus at some point in your life. The presence of IgG antibodies suggests that you have had a past infection with Hepatitis B, and it is typically associated with either a resolved infection or chronic infection.
3. HBs Ag (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Your result is negative (0.19 S/CO). This is an important marker that indicates you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B. HBs Ag is a protein on the surface of the virus, and its presence indicates an active Hepatitis B infection. Since your result is negative, it suggests that you are not a carrier of the virus at this time.

Interpretation of Your Results
Given the combination of these results, the interpretation is as follows:
- Positive HBc IgG indicates that you have been infected with Hepatitis B in the past.
- Negative HBs Ag indicates that you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B and are not a carrier of the virus.

- The negative Anti HCV indicates that you do not have Hepatitis C.

Conclusion
From your test results, it can be concluded that you have had a past infection with Hepatitis B, but you are not currently infected. This is often referred to as a "resolved infection." In many cases, individuals who have recovered from Hepatitis B will develop antibodies (Anti-HBs) that protect them from future infections. It would be advisable to check for the presence of Anti-HBs to confirm that you have developed immunity against Hepatitis B.

Additional Considerations
1. Follow-Up Testing: It may be beneficial to have follow-up tests to check for Anti-HBs. If you have these antibodies, it confirms that you are immune to Hepatitis B.

2. Monitoring: Even though you are not currently infected, it is important to monitor your liver health, especially if you have a history of Hepatitis B. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help ensure that your liver remains healthy.

3. Vaccination: If you have not developed Anti-HBs, and if you are at risk of exposure to Hepatitis B, vaccination may be recommended to provide protection against future infections.

4. Lifestyle Considerations: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and drugs that can harm the liver, is crucial for liver health.

In summary, your test results indicate that you have had a past Hepatitis B infection but are not currently infected. It is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and to discuss any additional testing that may be necessary.

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