If you're unsure about your hepatitis B status, this test gives a complete picture of past infection, immunity, or current infection. It checks for key hepatitis B markers to help determine if you've likely been exposed to the virus and whether you're immune. This test is useful if you've been at risk, are experiencing symptoms, or need screening for work or travel.
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What's in the test?
Immunity
Hepatitis B core antibodies IgG and IgM
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Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) is used as a marker of acute, chronic, or resolved HBV infection, useful in determining a previous exposure to HBV infection. A positive IgM anti-HBc result indicates a recent HBV infection. IgG antibody subclass of anti-HBc is a marker of past infection with HBV.
Hepatitis B surface antibodies
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This test measures antibodies against hepatitis B in your blood. It will tell you whether you are immune to hepatitis B or whether you do not have immunity. In most of the population, a result greater than 10 IU/L means that you have sufficient antibodies for immunity. A result less than 10 IU/L means that you are not immune. If you are prone to exposure to hepatitis B through your work (Exposure Prone Procedures a EPP), then you will require a result greater than 100 IU/L to confirm immunity. If your result shows that you have immunity to hepatitis B it means that you are both protected from possible infection and will not pass it on to another person. You can acquire hep B immunity through prior vaccination(s), or by having recovered from a previous infection. This test will not tell you whether you are currently infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is an infectious viral disease which causes your liver to become inflamed and enlarged. Most people recover from an acute hepatitis B infection by themselves within around 6 months. However, for others, the infection becomes chronic (prolonged) which can lead to lasting liver damage. Hepatitis B can have few symptoms, especially in the early stages. People who are at risk of becoming infected with hepatitis B are those who have had close contact with others who are infected (including unprotected sexual contact). Coming into contact with infected blood (e.g. through sharing needles, some contact sports) will also put you at risk of becoming infected with hepatitis B. Health care workers are often required to check their immunity against hep B for work purposes.
Infection
Hepatitis B surface antigen
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The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus, present in the blood during a hepatitis B virus infection. Checking for this surface antigen helps to identify acute and chronic HBV infections. Positive surface antigen meaning the virus is present and that the individual is infectious.
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Hepatitis B Profile Blood Test by following these instructions. If there is a chance that you have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis B or C then please let us know how long before taking your sample this occurred. Your sample should be taken 4 weeks after any hepatitis B exposure. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed. Let us know if you have had a hepatitis B vaccination. You should wait at least two months after your vaccination before taking this test.
Test limitations
This test checks for past and current infection but doesn't assess liver damage. If you've got symptoms or abnormal results, further liver function tests may be needed.
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FAQs
How is HBV spread?
HBV is spread through contact with blood or other body fluids from an infected person. Exposure can occur through sharing needles or through unprotected sex. People who live in or travel to areas of the world where HBV is prevalent are at a greater risk. It is possible for pregnant women to pass the infection to their babies, usually during or after birth.
What can I learn from this HBV test?
This profile is our most comprehensive check for the presence and development of hepatitis B. It checks for infection and differentiates between immunity because of a previous infection or a vaccination.
We've included tests for:
- - Hepatitis B core antibody
- - Hepatitis B surface antigen
- - Hepatitis B surface antibod
What is HBV?
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which causes inflammation and enlargement of the liver. HBV infections can vary from a mild form that lasts a few weeks to a chronic form that can cause lasting liver damage.