Hepatitis B (Serology)

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which affects the liver. The virus can cause both acute and chronic infections, leading to inflammation of the liver, which may result in reduced liver function, liver cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.

Why should you get tested for Hepatitis B?

Testing for Hepatitis B is essential to detect the presence of the virus in your body, especially since early stages of the infection are often asymptomatic. It is particularly useful for people at increased risk of infection, such as healthcare workers, people engaging in unprotected sex, intravenous drug users, and individuals traveling to areas where Hepatitis B is more prevalent.

What does it indicate?

A test for Hepatitis B can detect various markers of the virus, including the surface antigen (HBsAg), which indicates an active infection. It can also detect antibodies against the virus, which may suggest a previous infection or successful vaccination.

What does a high Hepatitis B level mean?

A high level of HBsAg in the blood indicates an active Hepatitis B infection. This means the virus is present and multiplying in the body, which can cause damage to the liver.

What does a low Hepatitis B level mean?

A low level or the absence of HBsAg may indicate recovery from a Hepatitis B infection or that someone is not infected. Detecting antibodies against the virus may suggest immunity to Hepatitis B, either through vaccination or a previous infection.

Hepatitis B surface antigen