Understanding Your Hepatitis B and C Test Results: What They Mean
Regarding the values of hepatitis B (HBV) tests? Hello Doctor: I am a bit confused about the report, so I would like to ask. The report states that Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is <0.1 and Hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV) is 0.71, which is negative. What does this mean? ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. The Changhua Hospital is concerned about your health regarding hepatitis B and C. Best regards, Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B and C Test Results: What They Mean
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Do You Need to Worry?
Hepatitis antibodies At the beginning of this year, I had a one-night stand with someone who is a carrier of hepatitis B. In December of last year, I underwent a health check-up, which showed that my hepatitis B surface antigen was negative (-) and my hepatitis B surface antibody...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: Having antibodies means there is immunity and a reduced risk of infection; however, if the antibody titer is too low, it can indeed diminish the protective effect of the antibodies. If you are unsure whether your antibody titer is sufficient, you can visit a gastroenterolo...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Do You Need to Worry?
Understanding Liver Issues: Insights from Ultrasound Reports and Symptoms
Liver issues? Hello Dr. Tsai! I would like your help reviewing my abdominal ultrasound reports from two different hospitals, thank you. **First Report:** - Spleen Index: 7.18 × 3.75 cm - CBD: 0.63 cm - Portal vein: 1.05 cm - Normal liver size, bright and heterogeneous parenchyma...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: 1. According to the report you provided, the liver appears to be only fibrotic, with no signs of cirrhosis. Additionally, your platelet count is 241,000; individuals with cirrhosis typically have platelet counts below the normal range (169,000). 2. Chronic anemia can i...[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Insights from Ultrasound Reports and Symptoms
Should You Consider Out-of-Pocket Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Is treatment for hepatitis B out-of-pocket? Hello, Doctor: I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for about two years now. My liver enzyme levels have been around 50-65 during my quarterly check-ups, and my E antigen is positive with a viral load of approximately 100 million. Since...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. You may consider performing a biopsy to confirm the degree of fibrosis in order to determine whether to initiate medication. Once you start the treatment, do not discontinue it easily. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Should You Consider Out-of-Pocket Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Family Planning
Follow-up treatment directions for hepatitis B? Hello, doctor. I have been a carrier since childhood. When I was 20 years old, my liver enzymes spiked to 1400, but after treatment, they returned to normal levels. However, at 27, my enzyme levels rose again to over 600, so I start...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. The viral load is only over 200, and medically, long-term medication is not recommended. However, personal considerations may allow for self-funded long-term medication. If you decide to stop the medication, it is essential to ensure proper follow-up. 2. There ...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: Treatment Options and Family Planning
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
A carrier of hepatitis B would like to inquire about the issue of elevated total bilirubin (TBIL 2.1 mg/dL)? Hello Dr. Chen, I am 40 years old and a carrier of Hepatitis B. I would like to inquire about the issue of elevated total bilirubin (TBIL 2.1 mg/dL). I have been regularl...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. It is likely that your elevated bilirubin levels are due to your individual bilirubin metabolism, which poses no harm to your health. Changhua Hospital cares about your well-being. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Carriers
Understanding Liver and Spleen Issues: Seeking Answers for Chronic Fatigue
I apologize for the trouble, doctor? Hello, doctor! I had an ultrasound that showed an enlarged spleen, a rough surface on the liver, and a portal vein measuring 1.15 cm. There is also a hyperechoic nodule in segment 5 of the liver, which is currently being monitored. I have a hi...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: If you have not seen a hematologist, you can consult a hematology specialist to investigate the causes of anemia and splenomegaly. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.[Read More] Understanding Liver and Spleen Issues: Seeking Answers for Chronic Fatigue
Will Hepatitis B Vaccination Affect Blood Test Results for Infection?
Will receiving the hepatitis B vaccine result in test results similar to an actual hepatitis B infection? Hello Dr. Chen: I received the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, but during a check-up last year, I found that the antibodies had disappeared. Therefore, three days ago, I receiv...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, miss. It will not affect the antigen. You can check the antibodies one month after receiving the booster vaccine, and most will have appeared by then. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Will Hepatitis B Vaccination Affect Blood Test Results for Infection?
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B issues? Hello, Dr. Tsai, I apologize for bothering you again! I was infected with hepatitis B in my twenties or even earlier, and at that time, the doctor said no treatment was needed. Recently, an ultrasound revealed that my liver is rough, and I have liver fibrosis....
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Liver roughness/liver fibrosis should be assessed for severity; if it is mild, it is not serious. (2) Aging or fatty liver can lead to liver fibrosis. If there is no hepatitis B virus carrier status, there is no need for excessive concern. (3) As long as immune functio...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Risks, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Weak Positive Results for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hello Dr. Chen! Today, I received the results from my health check blood test: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) 0.07 - weak positive; Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) 17.31 - weak positive. However, during the same period last year, m...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. This is likely a reasonable error in the laboratory results. You can discuss this with your physician and follow up in about 3 to 6 months. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Weak Positive Results for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Experience a Complete Recovery?
Hepatitis B carrier Hello Dr. Tsai: I have undergone health check-ups at a large hospital more than ten times due to being a chronic hepatitis B carrier, so I pay special attention to liver issues. In the past, I have had records of completely normal liver function tests. However...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: In clinical practice, it is not uncommon for older individuals to have a disappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), indicating that they are no longer carriers of the virus. However, it is still recommended to continue monitoring as per the guidelines for hepati...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Experience a Complete Recovery?
Understanding Liver Issues: Insights on Rough Liver, Nodules, and Fatigue
Liver problems? Dear Dr. Tsai, I apologize for bothering you again. My liver is rough, and my spleen is slightly enlarged. The surface antigen is negative, the surface antibody is positive, and the core antibody is positive. I have not been vaccinated, and I have developed antib...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) With aging or fatty liver disease, fibrosis may occur. (2) Liver nodules can be benign or malignant. (3) If you are experiencing fatigue, you should evaluate the quality of your sleep and whether your work is too strenuous; it is not solely related to liver issues. (4)...[Read More] Understanding Liver Issues: Insights on Rough Liver, Nodules, and Fatigue
Do I Need Antiviral Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Do we need antiviral medication? Hello, Doctor! Several years ago, I was infected with hepatitis B, and at that time, I tested positive for antibodies and did not require treatment. Recently, an ultrasound revealed that my liver is rough, my spleen is enlarged, and I am experien...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. 1. If liver function is normal, there is currently no need to check for viral DNA. 2. Splenomegaly or coarse liver texture can be discussed with gastroenterology and hematology specialists for management strategies. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shi...[Read More] Do I Need Antiviral Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B?
Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?
Is it cirrhosis? Hello, doctor. I recently had an abdominal ultrasound that showed my liver is enlarged. Subsequent blood tests indicated that my Hepatitis B surface antigen is negative, but my surface antibody and core antibody are positive. I have never been vaccinated, so it s...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: A negative hepatitis B surface antigen means that there is no hepatitis B virus carrier status, and there is no need for any medication. There is a significant difference between liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, so there is no need to be overly concerned about cirrhosis. As f...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Do You Need Fibrosis Testing for Hepatitis B?
Accidental Needle Stick from Child: Risks After First Hepatitis B Vaccine
I was accidentally pricked by a used needle that a child had used, but I just received my first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am a dental assistant, and yesterday, on the evening of the 17th, after the doctor finished seeing a 2...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss. You should have received the hepatitis B vaccine when you were young, so the chances of infection are very low, so there is no need to worry. You can wait until one month after completing the booster vaccination to check for the presence of antibodies. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick from Child: Risks After First Hepatitis B Vaccine
Understanding Inconsistent Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
The results of hepatitis B testing vary? During middle school, I had a blood test that showed positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and negative for antibodies. However, when I was tested again in my first year of high school, the results showed negative for both hepatitis B s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Mr. Lu: The antigen concentration may decrease day by day and eventually become undetectable, but there may still be a very small amount of virus hidden. It is advisable to regularly visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for follow-up examinations. Changhua Hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Inconsistent Hepatitis B Test Results: What You Need to Know
Enhancing Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B with Baraclude
The efficacy of interferon combined with Bevacizumab? Hello, Doctor. I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been regularly undergoing ultrasound and blood tests for a long time. However, since November of last year, my liver enzyme levels have been rising to over 200, and my surf...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Sir: Q1 Combination therapy is a recommendation based on professional experience, and while it is not inappropriate, there are currently no definitive human trial results to support it. Therefore, it is unclear what the best combination would be. Q2 There will be no re...[Read More] Enhancing Interferon Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B with Baraclude
Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Concerns About Fibrosis and Hepatitis
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I tested negative for Hepatitis B surface antigen, positive for surface antibodies, and positive for core antibodies. My antibodies were not produced by vaccination. My Hepatitis C level is 0.07. My outpatient doctor mentioned that my liver is rough, i...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: (1) Hepatitis B surface antigen negative and surface antibody positive: This indicates that there is no Hepatitis B carrier status and that immunity is present. (2) Core antibody positive: This signifies a past infection with Hepatitis B, but the individual has since recov...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Addressing Concerns About Fibrosis and Hepatitis
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What They Mean for You
Hepatitis B testing issues? Hello doctor, I am currently 37 years old. I received the hepatitis B vaccine at the age of 17. In 2011, my surface antibody was still positive, and the surface antigen was negative. In 2013, during a company health check, it was found that HBsAg was n...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The surface antibodies should be positive, and there should be no issues. Other data may have false positives, so there is no need for further investigation at this time. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What They Mean for You
Understanding Liver Health: Insights on Hepatitis B and Fibrosis
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I had an abdominal ultrasound that showed hepatomegaly, and I immediately tested for Hepatitis B and C. The results for Hepatitis B were negative for surface antigen, positive for surface antibody, and positive for core antibody. For Hepatitis C, the s...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: The ultrasound report is based on subjective judgment, so there is no need to worry about the term "coarse." If possible, a follow-up in a year would be sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Insights on Hepatitis B and Fibrosis