Your Health Check Report: What Does a Negative Hepatitis B Result Mean? - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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I have difficulty understanding the content of the health examination report regarding Hepatitis B, so I would like to consult a physician?


Hello, doctor.
I saw on my health check report that the Hepatitis B antigen is negative (<0.05) and the Hepatitis B antibody is blank.
I found several other terms online, such as surface antigen, but my report only has this information.
Could you please explain what this means? My mother is worried because she didn't understand it early on.
I was in the hospital for a week after birth, and we are unsure if I received the Hepatitis B vaccine at that time.
Thank you for your guidance, doctor.

Acan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/13

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology


The hepatitis B antigen test result: Negative indicates that there is currently no hepatitis B infection and that you are not a carrier of the virus.
The absence of hepatitis B antibodies may suggest that this test was not performed.
Since July 1986, Taiwan has implemented a comprehensive hepatitis B vaccination program for all newborns, resulting in a significant decrease in the incidence of hepatitis B infections among newborns.
Based on your age, it is likely that you have received the vaccine.
You may consider checking for antibodies at your next opportunity.
Best wishes for your health!

Reply Date: 2024/03/13

More Info


When interpreting your Hepatitis B test results, it's essential to understand what the specific markers indicate. In your case, the report shows that the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is negative, which means that there is no active Hepatitis B virus infection in your body. This is a positive outcome, as it indicates that you are not currently infected with the virus.

The absence of HBsAg suggests that you are not a carrier of the Hepatitis B virus, which is a significant concern for public health, as carriers can transmit the virus to others. Additionally, the report mentions that the Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) is blank, which typically indicates that the test for this antibody was not performed or the result was not recorded. The presence of anti-HBs would indicate that you have either recovered from a past infection or have been vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

Given that your HBsAg is negative, it is crucial to determine whether you have any protective antibodies (anti-HBs) against Hepatitis B. If you have not been vaccinated and do not have anti-HBs, it means you have no immunity to Hepatitis B, which could put you at risk if you are exposed to the virus in the future.
Since you mentioned concerns about whether you received the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth, it is common practice in many countries to administer the Hepatitis B vaccine to newborns, especially if the mother is a carrier of the virus. If you are unsure whether you were vaccinated, it may be beneficial to consult your healthcare provider. They can check your vaccination history and, if necessary, recommend getting vaccinated to ensure you have immunity against Hepatitis B.

In summary, your negative HBsAg result is reassuring as it indicates no current infection. However, the lack of information regarding anti-HBs means you should follow up with your healthcare provider to clarify your vaccination status and discuss whether you should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine to protect yourself against potential future exposure. Regular monitoring and preventive measures are key to maintaining your liver health and overall well-being.

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