Hepatitis B Screening Results: What You Need to Know

Q: Hepatitis B Screening Results: What You Need to Know

Hello： If you have not been infected, there is no need to worry about repeated inquiries. <br>Everyone's test results will not be zero; this is a matter of laboratory science and does not require further explanation. <br>If you would like to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine, you c

Questions about Hepatitis B screening?

I apologize for asking the same question again, but this time I have the report values.
Hello, I had unprotected sexual intercourse from February to April, and in August (more than 12 weeks later), I underwent screening for Hepatitis B.
The results were as follows: HBsAg (antigen) 0.399 (-) (<0.9 COI) negative, Anti-HBs (ELA) (antibody) 2 (-) (<10) negative, and Hepatitis C HCV-Antibody (HCV antibody) 0.029 (-) (<0.9 COI) negative.
Can I feel reassured since all results are negative? The values of 0.399 and 0.029 seem quite different, which makes me worry.
Could it be that due to the window period, I might have been infected with Hepatitis B but the viral load has not reached the positive threshold, leading me to believe I am healthy? Do I need to retest, or should I not worry? Also, considering my age, I was vaccinated against Hepatitis B at birth.
Since this test showed negative antibodies, is it necessary for me to receive another dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/13

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: If you have not been infected, there is no need to worry about repeated inquiries.
Everyone's test results will not be zero; this is a matter of laboratory science and does not require further explanation.
If you would like to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine, you can discuss it further with your outpatient physician, as there is no consensus recommendation.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Chen Shidian

Reply Date: 2018/08/13

More Info

Understanding Hepatitis B screening results can be quite complex, especially when considering the implications of various test results. Based on your provided results, let's break down what each component means and what steps you should consider moving forward.

Test Results Interpretation
1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Your result of 0.399, which is below the threshold of 0.9, indicates that you do not currently have an active Hepatitis B infection. HBsAg is a marker for the presence of the virus in the bloodstream, and a negative result means that the virus is not detectable.

2. Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody): Your result of 2, which is also below the protective level of 10, indicates that you do not have immunity against Hepatitis B. This could mean that you either have never been infected or that your immunity from vaccination has waned over time.

3. HCV Antibody: The result of 0.029 is negative, indicating that you do not have a current Hepatitis C infection.

Concerns About Window Period
Your concern about the "window period" is valid. The window period refers to the time after infection when the virus is present in the body but not yet detectable by standard tests. However, given that your HBsAg is negative, it is unlikely that you are in a window period for Hepatitis B. If you had been infected recently, the HBsAg would typically be positive.

Recommendations
1. Follow-Up Testing: While your current results are reassuring, if you have concerns about potential exposure, it may be prudent to repeat the tests after a few months. This can help ensure that no infection has developed since your last test.

2. Vaccination: Given that your Anti-HBs result is negative, it is advisable to consider revaccination against Hepatitis B. The vaccine is highly effective and can provide immunity if you have not been previously infected. Since you mentioned that you were vaccinated at birth, it is possible that your immunity has decreased over time, which is not uncommon.

3. Safe Practices: Continue to practice safe behaviors, especially regarding sexual health. Using protection during sexual activity can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting or acquiring Hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted infections.

4. Consultation with a Healthcare Provider: It is always a good idea to discuss your results and concerns with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and risk factors.

Conclusion
In summary, your Hepatitis B screening results indicate that you do not have an active infection, but you also do not have immunity against the virus. Given your vaccination history and current results, revaccination is recommended to ensure you are protected. Regular follow-up and safe practices are essential in maintaining your health. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.

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