Hepatitis B (HBV) is a viral infection that affects the liver and spreads through contact with infected blood, semen or other bodily fluids. This test checks for the blood levels of hepatitis B antigens and antibodies to determine if a person has an infection or has developed immunity against the hepatitis B virus. The results can distinguish between an acute infection (symptoms for less than 6 months), chronic infection (symptoms last for longer than 6 months), and immunity, as well as immunity from previous infection or vaccination.
Chronic HBV symptoms can appear decades after initial infection, and can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. This test can help you evaluate your immune status, as well as determine whether you are infected. Early detection makes treatment easier and helps prevent complications. The only way to know for sure if you have hepatitis B is to get tested.
No doctor’s visit needed
This hepatitis B panel evaluates for both infection and immune status in line with the testing recommended by the CDC.
Testing for hepatitis B is done with a blood test. HBV antigens cause the body's immune system to react and make antibodies. Screening is performed with three tests recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 to help evaluate HBV infection and immune status.
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); which is a marker of HBV infection (acute or chronic) and infectiousness
Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAb); which shows immunity, and is a marker of past resolved HBV infection or response to vaccination
Total antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb); which is a marker of current or past infection. If positive, additional testing for HbcAB IgM is performed to determine if the infection is acute or chronic
Positive HBsAg and Positive total HBcAb results likely indicate HBV infection.
Presence of HBcAb IgM indicates an acute infection
Absence of HBcAb IgM indicates a chronic infection
Negative HBsAg and Positive HBsAb results likely indicate immunity.
Presence of total HBcAb indicates immunity from past resolved infection
Absence of total HBcAb indicates immunity from vaccination
No special preparation is required
2-3 business days
Blood
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