Hepatitis B Vaccination and Abdominal Ultrasound: Your Questions Answered

Q: Hepatitis B Vaccination and Abdominal Ultrasound: Your Questions Answered

Hello： "The blood donation center informed me that I am HBsAg positive," which indicates that I may be a carrier. <br>For your reference： HBsAg positive means being a carrier of hepatitis B, suggesting that it can potentially be transmitted to others through blood or bodily fluid

Hepatitis B and abdominal ultrasound?

Hello, doctor: I received the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine two years ago, but I did not receive the subsequent two doses.
Does being able to receive the vaccine indicate that my hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is negative (meaning I do not have hepatitis B)? This is because I was informed that I was HBsAg positive by the blood donation center two years ago, which prompted me to go to a regional hospital for blood tests and to receive the vaccine.
I would like to check the condition of my abdominal organs, such as the ovaries, liver, gallbladder, and stomach.
Is that possible? If I visit a gastroenterologist, will I need to see a gynecologist separately for the ovaries and other organs?

luo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/08/02

Dr. Chen Mengkan reply Family Medicine

Hello: "The blood donation center informed me that I am HBsAg positive," which indicates that I may be a carrier.
For your reference: HBsAg positive means being a carrier of hepatitis B, suggesting that it can potentially be transmitted to others through blood or bodily fluids; HBsAg negative may indicate 1.
never been infected, or 2.
previously infected but have developed positive antibodies (indicating immunity to hepatitis B).
HBsAb positive indicates the presence of hepatitis B surface antibodies, meaning there is immunity to hepatitis B, which may result from 1.
past infection that has resolved, or 2.
vaccination.
A negative result indicates a lack of immunity.
HBcAb IgG (core antibody): If positive, it indicates a past infection with hepatitis B (either a carrier or someone who has recovered and has positive HBsAb, with core antibodies also being positive).
If negative, it indicates never having been infected, and vaccination against hepatitis B may be considered.
Based on your information, I suggest you visit a nearby hospital to undergo the aforementioned tests to clarify whether you are a carrier or have never been infected, as vaccination would not be beneficial if you have had a past infection.
An abdominal ultrasound examination only covers organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys; ovaries and uterus fall under the domain of obstetrics and gynecology and require further examination by a gynecologist.
Thank you for your letter, Chen Meng-Kan.

Reply Date: 2009/08/02

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding Hepatitis B vaccination and abdominal ultrasound examinations. Let's break down your concerns one by one.

Firstly, regarding the Hepatitis B vaccination: If you received the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine but did not complete the series with the second and third doses, it does not guarantee that you are protected against Hepatitis B. The presence of HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) is a crucial indicator of whether you are currently infected with the virus. If your HBsAg was positive at any point, it suggests that you may be a carrier of the virus or have had an active infection. Therefore, just because you received the vaccine does not mean that your HBsAg is negative or that you are free from the virus.
To clarify, HBsAg positive means you have the virus, while HBsAg negative indicates that you either have never been infected or have cleared the infection and developed antibodies (anti-HBs). If you have been told that your HBsAg was positive in the past, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to determine your current status. You may need further blood tests to check for HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody) and HBcAb (Hepatitis B core antibody) to understand your immunity status better.

Now, regarding your desire to have an abdominal ultrasound to check the status of your internal organs, including the ovaries, liver, gallbladder, and stomach: Yes, an abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that can provide valuable information about the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen. However, it is important to note that while an abdominal ultrasound can assess the liver and gallbladder, it does not typically evaluate the ovaries or uterus. For those organs, a gynecological ultrasound performed by a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology would be necessary.

If you are seeing a gastroenterologist for your liver and gallbladder concerns, it is advisable to also schedule an appointment with a gynecologist for a comprehensive evaluation of your reproductive organs. This way, you can ensure that all aspects of your health are being monitored and addressed appropriately.

In summary, it is crucial to complete the Hepatitis B vaccination series if you are at risk or have been exposed to the virus. Regular follow-ups and blood tests are essential to monitor your liver health, especially if you have a history of HBsAg positivity. Additionally, for a thorough assessment of both your abdominal organs and reproductive health, consulting with both a gastroenterologist and a gynecologist is recommended.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance. Your health is important, and staying informed is a key part of managing it effectively.

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