HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?

Q: HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?

Hello： Your blood test report shows that HBsAg is negative, while Anti-HBs antibodies are positive. <br>This suggests that you may have previously received the hepatitis B vaccine, or you may have had a recent hepatitis B infection that is currently in the early recovery phase. <

anti-HBc

If HBsAg is negative and Anti-HBs antibody is positive, there is generally no need to test for Anti-HBc antibody, as this combination typically indicates that the individual has either been vaccinated against hepatitis B or has cleared a past infection.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the person is not currently infected with or has not previously been infected with hepatitis B.
Thank you!

Dui B gan bu tai liaojie de ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/06/22

Dr. Lin Wuxuan reply Internal Medicine

Hello: Your blood test report shows that HBsAg is negative, while Anti-HBs antibodies are positive.
This suggests that you may have previously received the hepatitis B vaccine, or you may have had a recent hepatitis B infection that is currently in the early recovery phase.
It would be advisable to consider further testing for Anti-HBc antibodies to assist in differential diagnosis.
If Anti-HBc antibodies are negative, it indicates that your condition is a result of vaccination or that you had a past hepatitis B infection that has resolved.
If Anti-HBc antibodies are positive, it would confirm that you are in the early recovery phase of hepatitis B.

Reply Date: 2018/06/22

More Info

When interpreting the results of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology, it's essential to understand the significance of each marker. In your case, you have an HBsAg (-) and Anti-HBs (+). This combination generally indicates that you are either vaccinated against hepatitis B or have cleared a past infection. However, the question of whether to test for Anti-HBc (antibody to hepatitis B core antigen) remains pertinent.

Understanding the Markers
1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): This is the first marker that appears in the blood during an HBV infection. A negative HBsAg result indicates that there is no active infection.

2. Anti-HBs (Antibody to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): A positive Anti-HBs result indicates that you have developed immunity to hepatitis B, either through vaccination or recovery from a past infection.

3. Anti-HBc (Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen): This marker can be either IgM or IgG. The presence of Anti-HBc indicates a past infection with HBV. If Anti-HBc is positive, it suggests that you have been exposed to the virus at some point, even if you are currently not infected.

Should You Test for Anti-HBc?
Given your current results (HBsAg negative and Anti-HBs positive), testing for Anti-HBc can provide additional clarity:
- If Anti-HBc is negative: This would confirm that your immunity is due to vaccination, and you have never been infected with HBV. This is a reassuring result, indicating that you are at low risk for hepatitis B.

- If Anti-HBc is positive: This would suggest that you have had a past infection with HBV. In this case, it is crucial to determine whether the infection was acute or chronic. If you have Anti-HBc IgM, it indicates a recent infection, whereas the presence of Anti-HBc IgG suggests a past infection that has resolved.

Conclusion
In summary, while your current results suggest that you are not currently infected with HBV and have developed immunity, testing for Anti-HBc can provide valuable information about your past exposure to the virus. If you are concerned about your hepatitis B status or if there are any risk factors for HBV infection in your history, it may be prudent to proceed with the Anti-HBc test.

Additional Considerations
1. Vaccination History: If you have received the hepatitis B vaccine, it is expected to produce a positive Anti-HBs result without the presence of Anti-HBc.

2. Chronic Infection: In rare cases, individuals can have a positive HBsAg and Anti-HBs simultaneously due to different HBV subtypes. Regular monitoring is essential for those with chronic HBV infection.

3. Follow-Up: Regardless of the results, if you have any risk factors for hepatitis B or if you are in a high-risk group, regular screening and follow-up with a healthcare provider are recommended.

4. Consultation: It is always advisable to discuss your results with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and risk factors.

In conclusion, while your current serology suggests a low risk for hepatitis B, testing for Anti-HBc can provide further assurance regarding your hepatitis B status.

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