Hepatitis B Immunity Status Test

This blood test is used to confirm immunity against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) by detecting the presence of surface antigens, surface antibodies, and core antibodies specific to HBV (Anti-HBs and Anti-HBc).

Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the double-shelled hepatitis B virus. It is preventable through vaccination. 

An individual develops hepatitis B surface antibodies from a successful vaccination or if they have had hepatitis B and recovered from the infection. The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the body to make these antibodies to protect against the virus. If an individual has been infected but cleared the virus, the surface antibodies they developed protect against the virus for life, preventing reinfection. The hepatitis B surface antibody is detectable after clearing the virus.

The presence of hepatitis B core antibody can indicate a past or present HBV infection. People vaccinated for hepatitis B will not have the core antibody in their blood. 

What does it mean if I am immune to hepatitis B?

Immunity to hepatitis B means that the body is protected from future hepatitis B infection.

What do the hepatitis B immunity results mean?

If an individual is positive for both surface and core antibodies, it can indicate that they had a natural HBV infection and recovered. If only surface antibodies are positive, it can indicate that the individual was vaccinated. In both of these cases, immunity is confirmed, meaning that further vaccination is not generally required. 

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a type of liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis B virus. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, it can impair liver function. 

Hepatitis B may be mild and acute (meaning short-term) or chronic (meaning it is a life-long infection which may cause serious health problems like cirrhosis and liver damage). Children are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B if infected; however, 95% of adults recover completely and do not become chronically infected.

How is Hepatitis B spread?

Hepatitis B can be spread through infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluid entering the body, including during:

• Childbirth
• Sex with an infected partner
• Injection drug use
• Contact with blood or sores of an infected person
• Needle sticks 
• Shared use of items such as toothbrushes or razors with an infected person

Hepatitis B symptoms can include:

• Fatigue and lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Cirrhosis