Your Blood Test Results for Hepatitis B Infection - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hepatitis B blood test evaluation?

Hello doctor, here are my blood test results.
Am I infected with hepatitis B? I have had unprotected sexual intercourse in the past; should my spouse get tested? Report details: Anti-HBs Negative, Anti-HBc (col): 2.39, HBs Ag (col): 0.46.

A Cheng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/08/22

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

There is no hepatitis B.
If concerned about infection, the partner can also voluntarily get tested for hepatitis B and C at their own expense.

Reply Date: 2023/08/22

More Info

Based on your blood test results, let's break down the key components to understand whether you are currently infected with Hepatitis B and what it means for you and your partner.

1. Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody): Your result is negative. This means that you do not have antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which typically indicates that you have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B or have not cleared a past infection.

2. Anti-HBc (Hepatitis B Core Antibody): Your result is 2.39, which is positive. This indicates that you have been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus at some point in your life. The presence of Anti-HBc suggests either a past infection or a chronic infection. However, it does not differentiate between the two.

3. HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Your result is 0.46, which is negative. This is a crucial marker as it indicates whether you are currently infected with the virus. A negative HBsAg means that you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B.

Interpretation of Results
From the combination of these results, we can conclude the following:
- You do not have an active Hepatitis B infection (as indicated by the negative HBsAg).

- You have likely been exposed to the virus in the past, which is indicated by the positive Anti-HBc. This could mean that you had an acute infection that your body cleared, or it could indicate a chronic infection that has resolved.

Implications for You and Your Partner
Given that you have had unprotected sexual intercourse in the past, it is advisable for your partner to get tested for Hepatitis B as well. While your current results suggest that you are not actively infectious, the presence of Anti-HBc indicates a past exposure, which could potentially be a concern for your partner if they have not been vaccinated or previously infected.

Recommendations
1. Follow-Up Testing: It may be beneficial to have follow-up tests to check for other markers, such as Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) and possibly a Hepatitis B viral load test (HBV DNA) if there are any concerns about chronic infection.

2. Vaccination: If your partner is not already vaccinated against Hepatitis B, it is highly recommended that they receive the vaccine. The Hepatitis B vaccine is very effective in preventing infection.

3. Regular Monitoring: If you have a history of Hepatitis B exposure, regular monitoring of liver function and Hepatitis B markers may be advisable, especially if you have any risk factors for liver disease.

4. Consultation with a Specialist: Consider consulting a hepatologist or an infectious disease specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized recommendations based on your history and test results.

Conclusion
In summary, your test results indicate that you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B, but you have been exposed to the virus in the past. It is important for your partner to be tested, and vaccination should be considered to prevent any potential transmission. Regular follow-up and monitoring are key to maintaining your liver health and managing any past exposure to the virus.

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