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

Q: Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?

If you have antibodies against hepatitis B and are immune, there is no need for further testing.

Consultation on Hepatitis B Testing Directions

Hello Dr.
Chen, thank you for your previous response.
Today, I went to the municipal hospital's health examination center for tests related to hepatitis B.
The test results are as follows: HBsAg <0.10 negative (reference value <1 negative), Anti-HBs 12.91 positive (reference value ≥12 positive), Anti-HBcT (IgG+IgM) <0.07 negative (reference value <0.5 negative).
I would like to ask Dr.
Chen if I have been infected with hepatitis B.
The staff at the health examination center mentioned that testing for Anti-HBcT (IgG+IgM) can determine if I have ever been infected with hepatitis B.
I recall receiving the hepatitis B vaccine as a child; is it normal for the Anti-HBs result to be positive? Do I need to receive a booster vaccine? I apologize for the numerous questions, and I appreciate Dr.
Chen taking the time to answer them.
Thank you very much.

JJ, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/29

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

If you have antibodies against hepatitis B and are immune, there is no need for further testing.

Reply Date: 2020/04/29

More Info

Understanding your Hepatitis B test results is crucial for your health management. Based on the results you provided, let's break down what each component means and what your overall status regarding Hepatitis B is.

1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Your result is <0.10, which is considered negative (reference value <1). This indicates that you are not currently infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBsAg is a marker for active infection, so a negative result is a good sign.

2. Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody): Your result is 12.91, which is positive (reference value ≥12). This means that you have antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus, suggesting that you have either been vaccinated or have recovered from a past infection. Since you mentioned that you received the Hepatitis B vaccine as a child, this positive result is consistent with successful vaccination.

3. Anti-HBc (Hepatitis B Core Antibody): Your result is <0.07, which is negative (reference value <0.5). This indicates that you have not been infected with the Hepatitis B virus in the past. Anti-HBc is a marker that typically appears after infection, so a negative result here further supports the conclusion that you have not had a Hepatitis B infection.

Summary of Your Results:
- No Current Infection: The negative HBsAg indicates that you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B.

- Vaccination Status: The positive Anti-HBs suggests that you have adequate immunity, likely due to vaccination.

- No Past Infection: The negative Anti-HBc confirms that you have not been infected with Hepatitis B in the past.

Do You Need to Revaccinate?
Given your positive Anti-HBs result, you do not need to receive additional doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine at this time. The presence of Anti-HBs indicates that your immune system has responded effectively to the vaccine, providing you with protection against future infections. However, it is always good practice to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your vaccination status, especially if you have any concerns or if you are at higher risk for Hepatitis B due to lifestyle or occupational factors.

Additional Considerations:
- Monitoring: While your current results are reassuring, it is important to maintain regular health check-ups, especially if you are in a high-risk group for Hepatitis B or other liver diseases.

- Lifestyle Factors: Continue to engage in healthy lifestyle choices, such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly, to support liver health.

In conclusion, your test results indicate that you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B and have adequate immunity from vaccination. If you have any further questions or concerns, or if you experience any symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and management.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?

Hello Doctor: During my university entrance health check, the results were as follows: HBsAg - Anti-HBs + HBe Ag -. What do these results mean? Have I had hepatitis B? Do I need to get vaccinated?

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: Your health check report should indicate: "Hepatitis B antibodies present, lifelong immunity" - you will not contract Hepatitis B and do not need to receive the vaccine - this may be due to a successful Hepatitis B vaccination or possibly due to natural exposure ...

Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean?

Hello Doctor: I recently went to the hospital for a blood test, specifically for hepatitis B and C screening. The test results show HBSAG, with a hepatitis B surface antigen level of 15.53 S/CO. Does this mean I am definitely positive for hepatitis B?

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is positive, but the concentration is low, indicating a lower risk of long-term deterioration. However, an ultrasound examination is still necessary to check for any abnormalities.

Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: What Do They Mean for You?

I would like to ask a question. Since my father has liver cancer, I specifically tested for hepatitis B and received a report indicating HBsAg Positive (410.33). Does this mean I have hepatitis B? Is this value considered high? Additionally, Anti-HCV Negative (<0.02) is shown ...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
You have hepatitis B, but not hepatitis C. Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for evaluation.

Understanding Positive HBsAb Results: What It Means for Your Liver Health

Doctor! I have a question! After my health check-up, my Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) test came back positive. What does HBsAb mean, and does a positive result indicate that I have liver problems? I apologize for taking up your time! Thank you.

Dr. Cai Zonglong reply Internal Medicine
Hello: HBsAb, which is the antibody for hepatitis B, is protective. Therefore, if your HBsAb is positive, it indicates that although you have had hepatitis B, you have recovered, so there is no need to worry. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Tsung-Long, Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroe...