At a glance
Also known as
HBV; Hep B; Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B antibodies); HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen); HBeAg (Hepatitis B e antigen); Anti-HBc ( Hepatitis B core antibody)
Why get tested?
To diagnose and follow the course of an infection with hepatitis B or to determine if the against hepatitis B has produced the desired level of
When to get tested?
If you have symptoms of a hepatitis B infection or are likely to have been exposed to the . Also to check if you are immune, or to monitor the disease progression.
Sample required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
Test preparation needed?
None
What is being tested?
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B blood tests detect viral proteins (antigens), the antibodies that are produced in response to an infection, or detect or evaluate the genetic material (DNA) of the virus. The pattern of tests results can identify a person who has a current active infection, was exposed to HBV in the past, or has immunity as a result of vaccination.
Hepatitis is a condition characterised by inflammation and, sometimes, enlargement of the liver. It has various causes, one of which is infection by a virus. HBV is one of five "hepatitis viruses" identified so far that are known to mainly infect the liver. The other four are hepatitis A, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and hepatitis E.
HBV is spread through contact with blood or other body fluids from an infected person. Exposure can occur, for example, through sharing of needles for IV drug use or through unprotected sex. People who live or travel to areas of the world where hepatitis B is prevalent area at a greater risk. Mothers who are infected can pass the infection to their babies, usually during or after birth. The virus is not spread through casual contact such as holding hands, coughing or sneezing. However, the virus can survive outside the body for up to seven days, including in dried blood, and can be passed by sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person.
The course of HBV infections can vary from a mild form that lasts only a few weeks to a more serious chronic form lasting years. Sometimes chronic HBV leads to serious complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Some of the various stages or forms of hepatitis B include:
- Acute infection- presence of typical signs and symptoms with a positive HBV test
- Chronic infection- persistent infection with the virus detected by laboratory tests accompanied by inflammation of the liver.
- Carrier state- persistent infection (determined by HBV tests) but no liver inflammation (a carrier is someone who may appear to be in good health but harbours the virus and can potentially infect others)
- Resolved or inactive infection- no longer has any evidence of infection; viral antigen and DNA tests are negative and no signs or symptoms of liver inflammation (although, in many cases, the virus is present in an inactive state in the liver and can potentially reactivate).
- Reactivation- return of HBV infection (detected by HBV tests) with liver damage in a person who was a carrier or who had a resolved, inactive infection. This most commonly occurs in persons treated with chemotherapy for cancer or with drugs that suppress the immune system used to treat autoimmune diseases or following an organ transplant. It also can occur during treatment for hepatitis C (HCV) in people who also had been exposed to HBV in the past.
The vast majority of those with chronic infections will have no symptoms. For acute infections, the symptoms (when present) are very similar to those other types of acute hepatitis, although no symptoms occur in over half of those with acute HBV infection. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and jaundice. With acute hepatitis, the liver is damaged and is not able to function normally. It may not process toxins or waste products such as bilirubin for their removal from the body. During the course of disease, bilirubin and liver enzyme levels in the blood may increase. While tests such as bilirubin or liver panel can tell a healthcare practitioner that someone has hepatitis, they will not inducate what is causing it. Tests that detect infection with hepatitis virus may help determine the cause.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is drawn by needle from a vein in your arm.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.
Common Questions
If it is possible that I have an HBV infection, will I need to have all of these tests done?
No. Your doctor will determine which test(s) will be appropriate for your symptoms and history.
Should I have the HBV vaccine?
Yes. Unless there is something in your medical history to the contrary, it is prudent to have the series of . Pregnant women are routinely tested for infection and, if positive, immunoglobulin and vaccination of the newborn baby is offered. Periodic measurement of anti-HBs in persons who have developed to HBV is not needed; even if their antibody level falls below 10 mIU/mL, they still appear to be protected if exposed to the virus.
Can I test myself for immunity?
No. This test is performed by trained laboratory staff.