Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Does Reactive Anti-HBC Mean?

Q: Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What Does Reactive Anti-HBC Mean?

The patient has a history of hepatitis B infection, but the virus is currently undetectable. <br>Please discuss the details further with the physician who performed the blood draw.

The anti-HBc test result is Reactive 0.007?

Hello, I first experienced urticaria in early October 2022.
After several visits to the clinic for medication and injections, I was unable to effectively control the symptoms even after two weeks of treatment.
Subsequently, I was referred to the hospital, where I took Merolin 50 mg, four tablets daily for three weeks, but it still did not control the condition.
On November 11, 2022, I visited the immunology department at a medical center, where blood tests were conducted, including tests for hepatitis B.
I would like to inquire about the results of these tests and what they mean.
Do I have hepatitis B, or am I currently infected with hepatitis B but not showing symptoms yet?
1.
Test Item: HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen)
Test Result: Nonreactive 0.37
Reference Value: Nonreactive (0.9)
2.
Test Item: anti-HBc (Hepatitis B Core Antibody)
Test Result: Reactive 0.007
Reference Value: Nonreactive (1.0)
In March 2020, I also had a hepatitis B test, and the results were as follows:
1.
Test Item: HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen)
Test Result: Negative 0.442
Reference Value: Negative <0.92
2.
Test Item: HBsAb (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody)
Test Result: Negative 7.98
Reference Value: Negative (<10) / Positive
Comparing the results from two years ago, is it possible that I have contracted hepatitis B? How long should I wait before retesting, and which tests should be conducted? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to respond.

Huang, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/24

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

The patient has a history of hepatitis B infection, but the virus is currently undetectable.
Please discuss the details further with the physician who performed the blood draw.

Reply Date: 2022/11/24

More Info

Understanding your Hepatitis B test results can be quite complex, especially when interpreting the significance of various markers such as HBsAg and anti-HBc. Based on the information you provided, let's break down your results and what they mean for your health.

1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Your result for HBsAg is Nonreactive (0.37), which indicates that you do not currently have an active Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HBsAg is a protein on the surface of the virus, and its presence in the blood signifies that the virus is actively replicating. Since your result is below the reference value of 0.9, it suggests that you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B.

2. Anti-HBc (Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen): Your result for anti-HBc is Reactive (0.007), which is below the reference value of 1.0. This indicates that you have been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus at some point in the past. The presence of anti-HBc suggests that you may have had a past infection or that you are in a phase of recovery from an infection. However, the low value indicates that this is not a strong positive result, and further interpretation is necessary.

3. Comparison with Previous Results: You mentioned that in March 2020, your HBsAg was negative, and your anti-HBs (antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen) was also negative. This suggests that you had neither an active infection nor immunity from vaccination at that time. The current results indicate a change, as you now have reactive anti-HBc, which may suggest a past infection that has resolved.

What Does This Mean for You?
Given your current test results, it is likely that you have had a past Hepatitis B infection that has resolved, as indicated by the nonreactive HBsAg and reactive anti-HBc. It is important to note that the presence of anti-HBc alone does not confirm an active infection; rather, it indicates a history of exposure to the virus.

Next Steps
1. Follow-Up Testing: It may be beneficial to conduct further tests to clarify your Hepatitis B status. This could include testing for anti-HBs to determine if you have developed immunity (which would typically occur after vaccination or recovery from an infection). If anti-HBs is positive, it indicates immunity, while a negative result would suggest that you have not developed immunity.

2. Monitoring: If you have had a past infection, regular monitoring may be recommended to ensure that there are no reactivations of the virus. This typically involves periodic testing of HBsAg and HBV DNA levels.

3. Consultation with a Specialist: Given the complexity of your case and the potential for variations in Hepatitis B serology, it would be wise to consult with a hepatologist or an infectious disease specialist. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current test results.

4. Vaccination Consideration: If you have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B and your anti-HBs is negative, vaccination may be recommended to protect against future infections.

Conclusion
In summary, your current test results suggest that you do not have an active Hepatitis B infection, but you may have been exposed to the virus in the past. It is crucial to follow up with additional testing and consult with a healthcare provider to fully understand your Hepatitis B status and determine the best course of action for your health. Regular monitoring and preventive measures, such as vaccination, can help manage your risk and maintain your overall well-being.

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