Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Lifelong Protection or Regular Testing?
Hepatitis B antibodies Dear Dr. Chen, My child received the hepatitis B vaccine at birth and successfully developed antibodies. However, when entering high school, the antibody levels decreased, and we administered two booster doses, resulting in an antibody concentration greate...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Liu, The effectiveness of the vaccine lasts approximately 10 years. There is currently no consensus on whether a booster shot is necessary, but it is generally believed that immune memory persists, thus a booster may not be required. Changhua Hospital cares about your ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Lifelong Protection or Regular Testing?
Understanding Positive HBsAg and Anti-HBs Results in Chronic Hepatitis B
Please provide detailed questions regarding hepatitis B? I was diagnosed with chronic active hepatitis 20 years ago. Currently, my AST (Got) is 18 and ALT (Gpt) is 21. However, the troubling part is that both HBsAg and anti-HBs are positive. For the past four years, my HBeAg has ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, sir: The details are a bit difficult to explain clearly. According to the consensus for hepatitis B carriers, please have blood tests and ultrasounds every six months (at least once). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Positive HBsAg and Anti-HBs Results in Chronic Hepatitis B
Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Positive HBsAg and Anti-HBs Explained
Inquiry about Hepatitis B issues? Hello doctor, my situation is special. My HBsAg and Anti-HBs have both been positive for 4 years (yes, both are positive). HBeAg is negative and Anti-HBe is positive. HBV DNA is 0, indicating no viral load. I paid out of pocket to test for anothe...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: It is rare for patients with hepatitis B to test positive for both HBs Ag and HBs Ab (literature reports indicate 2.9% to 6.7%). A positive HBs Ag indicates an active infection, while a positive HBs Ab indicates the presence of antibodies. Generally, the presence of HBs Ab...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Hepatitis B: Positive HBsAg and Anti-HBs Explained
Understanding Hepatitis B Antigens and Antibodies: What Your Test Results Mean
B cell antigens and antibodies Dear Director Chen, In my daughter's health check report, the Hepatitis B surface antigen is 0.6 (-) (reference value < 1), and the antibody level is > 1000 (she just received an additional dose of the vaccine). I would like to ask you, ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mrs. Lin, This is just a presentation from the laboratory unit. As long as the result is less than 1, it is considered negative, so there is no need to worry! Having antibodies (especially with a strong positive result >1000) is even more reassuring. Changhua Hospital c...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antigens and Antibodies: What Your Test Results Mean
Understanding Fatty Liver: High Liver Enzyme Levels Explained
Fatty liver disease issues? Hello Doctor: My height is 171 cm and my weight is 82 kg. Currently, my blood test results are as follows: 1. GPT: 180 (normal range: 4-44 U/L) 2. GOT: 83 (normal range: 8-38 U/L) 3. R-GT: 134 (normal range: 6-73 U/L) 4. MCV: 101.5 (normal range: 80-10...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If there is no hepatitis B and no alcohol abuse, it may be related to fatty liver. The R-GT levels in fatty liver can also potentially double. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: High Liver Enzyme Levels Explained
Understanding Hepatitis B: Negative Antibodies and Vaccination Recommendations
Hepatitis B The presence of negative antibody-antigen results does not necessarily indicate that you have hepatitis B. The report suggests that you should consider getting vaccinated.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If the surface antigen and antibodies are negative, and anti-HBc is present, it indicates that the individual has never been infected and has not been vaccinated. Vaccination should be administered. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Departme...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Negative Antibodies and Vaccination Recommendations
Understanding a 2cm Homogeneous Low-Echogenic Nodule in the Liver
An ultrasound examination revealed a 2 cm homogeneous hypoechoic nodule in the liver? Could you please provide more context or details about the medical condition you are inquiring about? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: The assessment should consider conditions such as hepatitis B, and then evaluate the characteristics of the ultrasound images for further judgment. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health a...[Read More] Understanding a 2cm Homogeneous Low-Echogenic Nodule in the Liver
Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks After Exposure
Hepatitis B Last Monday, I accidentally drank from a beverage that my friend, who has hepatitis B, had consumed during our meal. The next day, Tuesday, I went to the hospital for a blood test. Yesterday, I received the report showing that the hepatitis B surface antigen is negati...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through food. 2. Even if one is infected with Hepatitis B, there will be an incubation period, and surface antibodies will not appear that quickly. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Department of Gastroenterology, Taoyuan Ho...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Transmission Risks After Exposure
Understanding Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody Results: What Do They Mean?
Hepatitis B antigen and antibody issues? Hello Dr. Chen: I went to the laboratory to check for Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody. The antigen result is 0.636 (reference value <1), and the antibody result is 18 (weak positive). Could you please tell me if an antigen leve...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. Liu, An antigen level of less than 1 is considered negative. If the antibody is positive but at a low level, and there has been no exposure to hepatitis B patients, there is no need for additional vaccination. Best regards, Gastroenterology Department, Changhua Hos...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Differentiating from Malignant Tumors
Regarding hepatic hemangiomas? Hello, doctor. During my recent annual health check-up, an ultrasound revealed a 1.2 cm hemangioma. I would like to ask how likely it is to misinterpret a hemangioma as a malignant tumor? Thank you!
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Johnny: If you do not have hepatitis B or C, the likelihood of misdiagnosis is extremely low, but further monitoring is still necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Differentiating from Malignant Tumors
Can I Get an Abdominal Ultrasound for Tumor Screening Without Symptoms?
Abdominal ultrasound Currently, if there are no symptoms or pain, is it possible to schedule an appointment for an abdominal ultrasound to check for tumors?
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is not covered by health insurance unless there is a pre-existing liver function abnormality or hepatitis B or C. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Can I Get an Abdominal Ultrasound for Tumor Screening Without Symptoms?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing Negative After Possible Exposure
Hepatitis B Last month, while having dinner with a friend, I accidentally drank from a beverage he had consumed. This friend has hepatitis B. The next day, which was last Tuesday, I went to the hospital for a blood test. Yesterday, I reviewed the report, and it showed that the he...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is definitely not the case. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through food, and there is an incubation period. You likely have antibodies and have developed immunity. Wishing you peace and good health. Sincerely, Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology, Taoyuan General Hospita...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Testing Negative After Possible Exposure
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Sharing a Cup?
Transmission of Hepatitis B Hello, doctor. If a carrier of hepatitis B drinks from a cup and then a second person uses the same cup a few hours later, is there a risk of contracting hepatitis B? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. The above behaviors do not transmit the virus. Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Sharing a Cup?
Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
Health check-up value inquiry 2 Hello, doctor. I am the one from the previous message regarding elevated amylase and total bilirubin levels. I later underwent an abdominal ultrasound examination of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and part of the pancreas, and there were ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. Amylase can be monitored. 2. Sometimes the use of certain medications or exposure to chemical agents can also cause elevated bilirubin levels; follow-up is sufficient, and there are currently no treatment recommendations. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Ch...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Amylase and Bilirubin Levels: What You Need to Know
When to Take Silymarin for Liver Health: Timing Tips for B Hepatitis Patients
When should silymarin (liver protection medication) be taken? I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for ten years, not due to vertical transmission from my mother. I currently undergo regular check-ups, and during my latest visit, my liver function tests showed slightly elevated l...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Hepatoprotective medications are intended to assist the liver in metabolism and are generally used twice a day. They may have a beneficial effect on improving symptoms. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan Hospita...[Read More] When to Take Silymarin for Liver Health: Timing Tips for B Hepatitis Patients
Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody Results
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hello Doctor: Last Monday, I accidentally drank from a beverage that my friend, who has hepatitis B, had consumed during our meal. The next day, Tuesday, I went to the hospital for a blood test. Yesterday, I reviewed the report, which showed th...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Hepatitis B is not transmitted through food. Even if transmission occurs, antibodies do not develop that quickly. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chi-Feng Chen, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibody Results
Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Is It a Sign of Liver Cirrhosis?
Preliminary Signs of Liver Cirrhosis During my last blood donation, the test report showed that my ALT level was elevated at 115, while the normal range is below 40. I'm only 20 years old, so how could it be so high? I don't frequently stay up late or drink alcohol! Is ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of abnormal liver function. Blood donation generally excludes hepatitis B and C, and further tests are needed to determine the cause. Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Chen Qi-Feng, Gastroenterology Department, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of He...[Read More] Understanding Elevated ALT Levels: Is It a Sign of Liver Cirrhosis?
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Risks for Newborns
Clarification on Hepatitis B Antibodies If a father has a history of hepatitis B infection and is a carrier, but the mother has antibodies against the virus, will the child be born with hepatitis B? I have heard that the hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood or semen, so...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello, "Vertical transmission refers to the infection of the fetus during passage through the birth canal, where the mother transmits the infection. The father does not directly transmit the infection to the child. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun....[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: Risks for Newborns
Understanding Liver Roughness and Hemangiomas: Causes and Concerns
Rough liver parenchyma and hemangioma? Dear Dr. Tsai: During my last visit to the hospital for an ultrasound, the doctor mentioned that I have coarse liver and a vascular tumor issue. There is no hepatitis B, and my alpha-fetoprotein levels are normal. I am unsure about the cause...
Dr. Cai Anshun Reply:
Hello: The term "coarse liver" typically refers to "hepatic parenchymal disease." On ultrasound, the liver appears coarser than the spleen, indicating hepatic parenchymal disease, which is essentially liver fibrosis. The causes may include chronic inflammation...[Read More] Understanding Liver Roughness and Hemangiomas: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Positive HBsAg and HBsAb Results: Is It Chronic Hepatitis B?
Both HBsAg and HBsAb are positive? Hello, doctor. During the health check-up in the first grade of elementary school, both HBsAg and HBsAb were negative. Therefore, during the summer vacation before the second grade, I received three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. One month la...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to use the nuclear immune method for testing, followed by confirmation. If both HBsAg and HBsAb are indeed positive, it is suggested that: 1. There may be an infection with two subtypes of the hepatitis B virus. 2. The positive HBsAb is a result of vaccin...[Read More] Understanding Positive HBsAg and HBsAb Results: Is It Chronic Hepatitis B?