Should You Get Another Hepatitis B Vaccine After Three Doses?
After receiving three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine and still testing negative, is it necessary to receive additional doses of the hepatitis B vaccine? Four years ago, a company health check indicated that both the hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody were negative. As a r...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The success rate of hepatitis B vaccination is approximately 90%. It is generally recommended that if there are two consecutive failed vaccination attempts, further vaccinations should not be administered. Best regards, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of He...[Read More] Should You Get Another Hepatitis B Vaccine After Three Doses?
Understanding e-Antigen Negative Hepatitis B: Risks and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B patients who are e-antigen negative? Hello Doctor: In 2006, I tested negative for HBeAg and positive for HBeAb, and I originally thought I was a low viral load hepatitis B patient. However, my recent tests showed GPT=77, GOT=31, AFP=4.5, and HBV DNA=250,000 IU/mL. The...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Hello, you are a very diligent patient. I will first address your questions in order, and then provide the current health insurance regulations and personal recommendations regarding your situation. First, the e antigen in wild-type chronic hepatitis B virus is indeed an indica...[Read More] Understanding e-Antigen Negative Hepatitis B: Risks and Treatment Options
Understanding Changes in Hepatitis B Surface Antigens After 20 Years
I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for 20 years? I have been a carrier of Hepatitis B for 20 years. My previous health check results were: Hepatitis B surface antigen positive, surface antibody negative, E antigen negative, E antibody positive. However, this year's results...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: This year's positive surface antibody results differ from previous years, and the most likely reason is laboratory error. However, it is still important to consider the numerical values, as tests usually have a cutoff value; results above this cutoff are considered po...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Hepatitis B Surface Antigens After 20 Years
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Dosage, Antibody Testing, and Next Steps
Hepatitis B vaccination administration Hello Doctor: My daughter underwent a health check-up for high school admission, and both her Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody tests were negative. The hospital recommended that she receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. I would like to as...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: After receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, you can have a blood test to confirm its effectiveness as a reference. Children only need a booster dose. For the initial vaccination, three doses are required, but adults should first check if their HBcAb is positive. Curre...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Dosage, Antibody Testing, and Next Steps
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels and Vaccination Recommendations
Hepatitis B antibody concentration Hello Dr. Chen, I have my child's high school entrance health check report: (1) Hepatitis B surface antigen: negative (2) Hepatitis B surface antibody: 18 (weak positive). It is recommended to receive a booster dose of the Hepatitis B vacc...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: A maximum of one booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine can be administered, and antibody levels can be tested one month later. Non-healthcare personnel do not need a booster, but receiving an additional dose is harmless.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels and Vaccination Recommendations
High White Blood Cell Count and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Does It Mean?
Elevated white blood cell count and liver enzymes? During my health check-up, my white blood cell count was 14.28, SGOT was 126, and SGPT was 124. I also no longer have antibodies for hepatitis B (I am not a carrier). My life has been relatively normal, yet my liver enzymes are s...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Elevated white blood cell count and liver enzymes require further investigation to identify the cause of inflammation and infection. Possible infections include chronic hepatitis B virus and other viruses; bacteria can also be a cause. Factors such as fatigue, alcohol, ...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count and Elevated Liver Enzymes: What Does It Mean?
Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels and Immunity in Children
Quantitative measurement of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels? Dear Dr. Chen, Hello. My daughter recently underwent a school health check, and the results are as follows: - Hepatitis B surface antigen (quantitative): 0.9 (normal value is less than 1) - Hepatitis B sur...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. Sally: Hepatitis B antibodies provide permanent protective immunity, meaning they can offer long-term protection against Hepatitis B infection. There is no consensus on the need for booster vaccinations, as most individuals already have immune memory and retain protecti...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels and Immunity in Children
Understanding Diffuse Liver Fibrosis: When to Seek Further Evaluation
"Diffuse" liver fibrosis Dear Dr. Li, Hello! My mother is 82 years old and had breast cancer surgery five years ago (without chemotherapy). She has diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. She has been tested negative for hepatitis B, but has not been tested for hep...
Dr. Li Yongming Reply:
Reply: Hello, regarding hepatitis, in Taiwan, chronic hepatitis B and C are still the most prevalent, particularly in the Chiayi and Tainan regions. When liver enzymes (AST/ALT) are elevated, it is essential to test for HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) and anti-HCV Ab (Hepatit...[Read More] Understanding Diffuse Liver Fibrosis: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Is it necessary to immediately pay out of pocket for Belviq? Dear Dr. Lin, I previously self-paid for Hepa-Merz and did not develop any drug resistance, but after stopping the medication for about a year, I experienced a relapse. Currently, my GOT/GPT levels are (64/101 on Augus...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, liver enzyme levels are elevated, and viral load is high, indicating liver inflammation. It is advised to avoid excessive fatigue and to investigate the causes of liver inflammation. Treatment for hepatitis B, including oral antiviral medications or long-ac...[Read More] Should I Immediately Self-Pay for Baraclude Treatment?
Is Hepatitis B Vaccination Effective After Negative Antigen Tests?
Hepatitis B antigen and antibody I would like to inquire: If both the hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody are negative, but there was a previous diagnosis of hepatitis B carrier status, is it still effective to receive the vaccine? Will it still produce antibodies for 15 yea...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Hello JP6: Based on your description, if the hepatitis B antigen was previously positive and subsequent tests show a negative result, it is possible that you have fully recovered. If your hepatitis B antibodies are negative, it is recommended that you receive the hepatitis B vacc...[Read More] Is Hepatitis B Vaccination Effective After Negative Antigen Tests?
Do I Need a Third Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine After Testing Positive for Antibodies?
Hepatitis B vaccine Doctor, I previously had blood tests for hepatitis B surface antigen, surface antibody, and core antibody, all of which were negative. After receiving two doses of the vaccine, I had antibodies detected in my blood. Do I still need to receive the third dose of...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao-Hua, Currently, there is no need for you to receive a third dose of the vaccine. Given your age, you should have already received the hepatitis B vaccination as a child. Your body may have developed immunity to hepatitis B long ago, which is maintained by memory ...[Read More] Do I Need a Third Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine After Testing Positive for Antibodies?
Should I Treat High Viral Load with Medication Despite Allergies?
Hepatitis B e antigen positive with a viral load of 800 million. GTP and GOT levels are normal. Should treatment be initiated? I am 40 years old this year and I am positive for hepatitis B e-antigen with a viral load of 800 million. My serum e-antigen level is 1452, and my GTP (G...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: (1) The e antigen is positive, liver function tests are normal, and the viral load is high. It is recommended to consider the degree of liver fibrosis in the patient and whether there is cirrhosis. Continued monitoring is advised, and understanding the effects of pharmacol...[Read More] Should I Treat High Viral Load with Medication Despite Allergies?
Key Questions on Hepatitis B Treatment and Management
Questions regarding the treatment of Hepatitis B? Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed with acute hepatitis B a year and a half ago. Currently, my liver function tests and ultrasound results are normal, but I have a gallbladder polyp (0.5 cm), and my surface antigen is still positive. ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir. 1. The chance of surface antigen turning negative is very low (<5%), usually occurring when the e antigen turns negative or after 3 years of maintaining the upper limit. 2. The recurrence rate remains over 30%, although it tends to decrease with longer duration....[Read More] Key Questions on Hepatitis B Treatment and Management
Are E Antigen and Antibody Tests Covered by Insurance for Hepatitis B?
excuse me? I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been regularly undergoing ultrasound examinations as well as tests for GOT, GPT, and AFP. It's time for my health check-up again, and this time I would like to ask the doctor to test for HBeAg and anti-HBe. I would like to kn...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: Generally, at the same hospital, a test will be conducted first. If the E antigen is positive, follow-up testing will be done in 3-6 months to check if it has turned negative. This is covered by insurance. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Are E Antigen and Antibody Tests Covered by Insurance for Hepatitis B?
Understanding Hepatitis B e Antigen and Antibody Testing: Do You Need Further Tests?
What is the issue regarding hepatitis B e antigen antibodies? As a carrier of hepatitis B, my health check results show GOT 25 IU/L (normal range 5-40 IU/L), GPT 29 IU/L (normal range 5-40 IU/L), r-GT 21 U/L (normal range 10-71 U/L), AFP 4.70 ng/mL (normal range 0-20 ng/mL), and ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, if the e antigen is negative, the e antibody is usually positive, unless there is an error in the testing or the concentration falls within the gray zone. Best wishes, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B e Antigen and Antibody Testing: Do You Need Further Tests?
Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Start Treatment and Testing
Could you please specify your question regarding hepatitis B? I am a carrier of hepatitis B, which was detected during a blood test when I was 18 years old in high school. Now I am 27. There have been a few instances where my liver enzymes spiked to 4 to 5 times the normal level,...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The e antigen and viral load can represent the "virulence" of the virus, which may increase the chances of future outbreaks or long-term complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. However, despite advancements in medical technology, there is stil...[Read More] Managing Chronic Hepatitis B: When to Start Treatment and Testing
Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Hepatitis and STD Risks
Liver examination status? On April 25, I had a kiss and intimate relationship with my ex-girlfriend, and I am concerned about the possibility of sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis B and C. On April 19, during a company health check, my liver enzyme levels were s...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, having antibodies for hepatitis B means you will not be re-infected. You have not been infected with hepatitis C. Abnormal liver function requires an abdominal ultrasound for further evaluation of the cause, but it has been confirmed that it is not related to hepatitis B o...[Read More] Understanding Liver Health: Concerns About Hepatitis and STD Risks
Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Hepatitis B and Liver Health
Blood test report Hello Doctor, I have a hemangioma in my liver measuring 2.4 cm (it was 1 cm when discovered). On February 27 of this year, I tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and alpha-fetoprotein. On April 12, I had an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor did not inform me ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, please visit the hepatobiliary department for further examination. Any single test may have discrepancies, especially when the concentration values are in the borderline range. Wishing you health, Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Insights on Hepatitis B and Liver Health
Understanding HBsAg Levels and Their Implications for Liver Health
HBsAg - Hepatitis B surface antigen Hello, doctor. May I ask if HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) can change? I previously had acute hepatitis, but my liver enzyme levels are now approaching normal (GOT: 40, GPT: 60). However, the report shows that HBsAg is positive at 4318. Wh...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: A positive HBsAg indicates that you are a carrier of hepatitis B (have hepatitis B). Please also test for HBeAg and follow up with a gastroenterologist to determine whether antiviral medication is needed. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding HBsAg Levels and Their Implications for Liver Health
Understanding Hepatitis B: Do I Have the Virus?
excuse me? Dear Doctor: I tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and positive for surface antibodies on August 14 at the municipal hospital. Then, on September 21, I tested negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and positive for surface antibodies at Chimei Hospital. D...
Dr. You Ligang Reply:
Hello, this indicates that you have had hepatitis B, and the spontaneous loss of surface antibodies means that you have developed antibodies, providing you with immunity against the hepatitis B virus. Wishing you good health. Dr. You Li-Guang, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Heal...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Do I Have the Virus?