Key Tests for Diagnosing Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide
Hepatitis B Testing Consultation Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask which specific test is primarily used to check for hepatitis B infection? Thank you for taking the time to answer my question, I appreciate it.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hepatitis B surface antigen can be tested.[Read More] Key Tests for Diagnosing Hepatitis B Infection: A Guide
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Need a Booster Vaccine?
Hepatitis B antibodies In last September's health check, the Hepatitis B antigen was 0.29, and the Hepatitis B antibody was 22.99. Are these values too low? Do I need to receive a booster vaccine? A friend is a carrier, and I have previously come into contact with his bleedi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Currently, there is no consensus on the need for a booster shot for everyone. However, individuals who are concerned can choose to pay for an additional dose and have their blood tested for effectiveness one month later.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Levels: Do You Need a Booster Vaccine?
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What They Mean for You
Is there hepatitis B? Your test results indicate the following: HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) is negative (-), and HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody) is positive (+) with a value of 50.1. This means that you do not currently have an active Hepatitis B infection, as the pr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If you have antibodies against hepatitis B, you will not get infected with hepatitis B for life.[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results: What They Mean for You
Should I Delay My Abdominal Ultrasound Due to COVID-19 Concerns?
I would like to inquire about abdominal ultrasound examination? Hello Doctor, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and regularly go to the hospital for abdominal ultrasound examinations. My last check-up was around mid-September of last year, and I was originally scheduled to return f...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
You should discuss with your doctor when it would be appropriate to schedule the examination.[Read More] Should I Delay My Abdominal Ultrasound Due to COVID-19 Concerns?
Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Your ALT and AST Levels Mean
Liver function inquiry? Hello Dr. Chen, my blood test results show an ALT of 47 and an AST of 24. Three months ago and six months ago, my ALT levels were 61 and 45, respectively. The doctor also tested for hepatitis B and C, and there were no issues. I would like to ask if these ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Liver-protective medications may not be necessary, but it is important to actively lose weight, primarily through dietary control (reducing caloric intake) and supplemented by exercise, aiming for a weight loss of 3-5%.[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Your ALT and AST Levels Mean
Guidelines for Antiviral Treatment in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Antiviral medications for hepatitis B? In the semi-quantitative detection of HBsAg, the result is expressed in S/CO units. Antiviral medication or interferon therapy should be initiated when the value exceeds a certain threshold, typically greater than 10 S/CO, although specific ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Currently, the health insurance regulations focus on the viral load (HBV DNA) and do not take into account the carrier concentration.[Read More] Guidelines for Antiviral Treatment in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Understanding the Window Period for Hepatitis B Testing After Potential Exposure
Hepatitis B window period I got my ears pierced on January 1st of this year using a piercing gun, and the earrings were new. Although the risk is extremely low, I am still concerned about the possibility of contracting hepatitis B (I remember that my previous health check showed ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
A one-month interval is sufficient.[Read More] Understanding the Window Period for Hepatitis B Testing After Potential Exposure
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks from Blood Exposure
Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello, I would like to ask you a question. I am a carrier of hepatitis B. If I use a tissue to wipe blood, and the tissue particles disperse and potentially stick to clothing or other people's belongings, is there a risk of hepatitis B infect...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood, requiring the presence of an open wound in the other person; therefore, in general situations, there is no need to worry about transmission.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks from Blood Exposure
Understanding Surface Antibodies and Relapse Risks After Hepatitis B Treatment
Taking Huilei (Rituximab) can lead to the production of surface antibodies. The likelihood of relapse after discontinuing the medication? Hello: Four years ago, I started taking entecavir due to acute hepatitis. In January of this year, my E antigen turned negative, and the other...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Currently, the National Health Insurance recommends that patients with e-antigen positive hepatitis B who turn negative require one year of consolidation therapy. The presence of S-antigen turning negative and the production of S-antibodies in patients infected with hepati...[Read More] Understanding Surface Antibodies and Relapse Risks After Hepatitis B Treatment
Understanding Hepatitis B: Do You Need Yearly Medication After Surface Antigen Negativity?
The term "seroconversion" refers to the transition from a positive to a negative result for the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) or the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). In this context, "consolidation therapy for one year" typically pertains to the management...
Dr. Yang Zhichao Reply:
Mr. Hsiao-Chieh, you can discuss your hepatitis B issue with the physician who prescribed your medication. According to the health insurance reimbursement criteria, an HBeAg seroconversion cannot be consolidated for one year. You may want to consult with your attending physician ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Do You Need Yearly Medication After Surface Antigen Negativity?
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Concerns
Hepatic hemangioma issues? In August 2018, an abdominal ultrasound at the clinic revealed a 2.2 cm liver tumor, mild fatty liver, and a 0.4 cm gallbladder polyp. Tests for hepatitis B and C were conducted, and both liver function tests and alpha-fetoprotein (cancer marker) were n...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
1. Rarely increases. 2. Not often missed. 3. Common artifacts; please cooperate with follow-up.[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Concerns
Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Should You See a Family Doctor?
Abnormal findings in health check report GPT? Hello Doctor, I recently received my employee health check report for October, which shows a GPT level of 38 (the report states normal range: 10-35). Five years ago, my GPT level was 21. I found that the normal range for GPT is below ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Follow up in three months. If overweight or diagnosed with fatty liver, prioritize weight loss.[Read More] Understanding Elevated GPT Levels: Should You See a Family Doctor?
Should You Continue Hepatitis B Treatment After Developing Antibodies?
If you have developed antibodies after taking Huilei (Rituximab), do you still need to pay out of pocket for it? Hello, yesterday I asked a question. Four years ago, I had an acute hepatitis outbreak and started taking Hepatitis B medication. In January of this year, my E antigen...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
After transitioning from a negative to a positive state, it is recommended to maintain a healthy diet for an additional year to consolidate the results.[Read More] Should You Continue Hepatitis B Treatment After Developing Antibodies?
Do I Need to Continue Taking Antiviral Medication After Developing Hepatitis B Antibodies?
If you have developed antibodies against hepatitis B, do you still need to continue taking Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) for a period of consolidation? Hello, four years ago, I started taking antiviral medication (Hepatitis B treatment) due to an acute flare-up of Hepatitis B...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
The principle is to continue treatment for an additional year to consolidate the results. You have developed antibodies, and it is unlikely that you will experience a recurrence after stopping the medication, but please continue to have regular follow-ups.[Read More] Do I Need to Continue Taking Antiviral Medication After Developing Hepatitis B Antibodies?
Understanding Hepatitis B Recovery: Why Ongoing Monitoring is Essential
Hepatitis B testing issues? Doctor, I previously had the following test results: HBsAg(-), HBeAg(-), HBcIgG(+). Today, I followed up on my hepatitis B and paid out of pocket for the HBsAb antibody test, which came back positive (399). Other tests for AFP, ALT, and AST were also n...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: HBsAg(-) HBsAb(+) HBcIgG(+) indicates a past infection with hepatitis B, and the individual has now cleared the infection and has antibodies to protect against hepatitis B. However, if someone was a long-term hepatitis B carrier, regardless of whether they have achieved fu...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Recovery: Why Ongoing Monitoring is Essential
Should You Get a Hepatitis B Vaccine? Understanding Your Risks
Is it necessary to receive a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? Hello, Deputy Director. My health check report shows that both Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) are negative. Although I am not a hemodialysis patient or part of a hi...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
It is recommended to administer an additional dose and continue monitoring, or to test for HBcAb first to determine whether to proceed with the additional dose.[Read More] Should You Get a Hepatitis B Vaccine? Understanding Your Risks
Is Hepatitis B Cured? Understanding Follow-Up Care and Monitoring
Is hepatitis B cured, and is there ongoing monitoring? I have had hepatitis B for 50 years. Recently, my second test results showed GOT 28, GPT 38, hepatitis B surface antigen at 0.33 (-), hepatitis C virus antibody at 0.03 (-), and alpha-fetoprotein at 2.05. Does this mean my he...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
If HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody) is positive and there is no cirrhosis or fibrosis, it can be considered as self-healing.[Read More] Is Hepatitis B Cured? Understanding Follow-Up Care and Monitoring
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Which Doctor Is Right?
Could you please provide more details about the testing-related questions? I underwent a hepatitis B test at a certain hospital and received results showing HBsAg negative, HBeAg negative, and HBc IgG positive. The physician stated that I had previously contracted hepatitis B, de...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Please add HBsAb testing. If positive, it indicates lifelong immunity; if negative, there is a possibility of being a low-concentration hepatitis B carrier.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Which Doctor Is Right?
Can You Contract Hepatitis from a Needle Stick Injury?
Will this lead to hepatitis? Yesterday, while working at the hospital, I accidentally got pricked by a needle in my hand. There was bleeding at the time, and I rinsed the wound with water and disinfected it with alcohol. I know that hepatitis can be transmitted through blood and ...
Dr. Cai Jinji Reply:
Hello: The chance of contracting hepatitis B is low after having antibodies against it. However, it is important to consider whether the individual has any bloodborne infectious diseases. It is advisable to visit a hospital for a physician's examination and follow-up to chec...[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis from a Needle Stick Injury?
Increased Hair Loss in Hepatitis B Patients: Causes and Concerns
Patients with hepatitis B experience a noticeable increase in hair loss? Hello Doctor, I have some questions to ask you! My father is 63 years old and is a hepatitis B patient. He underwent gallbladder removal surgery five years ago and is currently taking Baraclude (entecavir) t...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
There have been no reports of this side effect yet.[Read More] Increased Hair Loss in Hepatitis B Patients: Causes and Concerns