Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Qualitative

The Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Qualitative test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Brief Description: The Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test is a diagnostic tool used to determine the presence or absence of antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen. It's a vital test for assessing immunity to Hepatitis B and evaluating the body's response to the virus or vaccination.

Also Known As: Hep B Test, Hep B Surface Antibody Test, Hep B Antibody Test, Hepatitis B Antibody Test, Hep B Surface Ab Test, HBV Antibody Test, HBV Surface Antibody Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is a Qualitative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody test ordered?

When someone exhibits acute hepatitis-related signs and symptoms, a hepatitis B test may be requested to evaluate whether the symptoms are caused by HBV infection.

When the findings of normal testing, such as ALT and/or AST, are increased, hepatitis B tests may be performed as a follow-up. Since they may only cause minor symptoms that can be mistaken for the flu, acute forms of hepatitis can occasionally be identified in this way. Chronic hepatitis is more frequently found when routine test results are abnormal and more frequently has no symptoms.

When a person is at high risk for developing chronic hepatitis B, a test for hepatitis B surface antigen may be utilized for screening.

Hepatitis B tests may be run on a regular basis to check on persons with chronic hepatitis B infections. Since HBeAg may disappear on its own in certain individuals, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen measurements are often performed every six to twelve months. HBeAg and HBV DNA testing can be used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment in patients with chronic HBV.

What does a Qualitative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody test check for?

Hepatitis B tests look for chemicals that indicate a recent or past hepatitis B virus infection. While some tests look for viral proteins or antibodies created in response to an infection, others look for or assess the virus' genetic makeup. A person who has immunity as a result of prior exposure or who now has an active infection can be determined by the pattern of test findings.

The symptoms of hepatitis include inflammation and liver enlargement. It can be caused by a number of different things, one of which is virus infection. One of the five "hepatitis viruses" that have been found thus far is HBV. Hepatitis A, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E make up the remaining four.

Contact with blood or other bodily fluids from an infected person can transfer HBV. For instance, sharing needles for IV drug usage or having sex without protection can expose someone. Greater risk applies to people who reside in or travel to regions of the world where hepatitis B is common. Rarely, generally during or after birth, women might transmit the virus to their newborns. The virus cannot be spread by innocuous actions like shaking hands, coughing, or sneezing. However, the virus can survive outside the body for up to seven days, including in dried blood. It can also spread through the sharing of objects like toothbrushes or razors with an infected individual.

Effective hepatitis B vaccines have been available in the United States since 1981, and starting in 1991, medical professionals there started immunizing newborns. Nevertheless, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is present in between 804,000 and 1.4 million Americans, the majority of whom are unaware that they are infected.

HBV infections can range in severity from a brief, mild form to a more dangerous, chronic variant that lasts for years. Serious side effects from persistent HBV can occasionally include cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Acute HBV infection, albeit potentially dangerous, typically goes away on its own in most adults. Children and infants are more likely than adults to have a persistent infection. 90% of newborns with HBV infection go on to acquire a chronic illness. Between 25% and 50% of children between the ages of one and five are at risk of acquiring chronic hepatitis. Only 6% to 10% of HBV infections that start after age five progress to chronic disease.

Most people with persistent infections won't show any symptoms. The signs and symptoms of acute infections are quite similar to those of other acute hepatitis types. Fever, exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice are among the symptoms. The liver is damaged and unable to function normally when someone has acute hepatitis. It might not eliminate toxins or waste materials from the body, such bilirubin. Bilirubin and liver enzyme levels in the blood may rise as the disease progresses. Although tests like bilirubin or a liver panel can show a doctor that a patient has hepatitis, they cannot tell them what is causing it. The cause may be found with tests that look for hepatitis virus infection.

Testing for hepatitis B can be done in the absence of symptoms, to identify if an infection is acute or chronic, or to keep track of a chronic infection and how well therapy is working.

Sample Ulta Lab Tests View of Qualitative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Results

Sample Quest Result Report View of Qualitative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Results

Lab tests often ordered with a Qualitative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody test:

When an anti-HBs test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status or immune response to HBV vaccination. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

1. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg):

   • Purpose: To detect the presence of HBsAg, a protein on the surface of the HBV, indicating an active infection.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To diagnose current Hepatitis B infection. The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious.

2. Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc), Total and Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM:

   • Purpose: To detect previous or ongoing infection with HBV. Total anti-HBc detects both IgM and IgG antibodies, while IgM anti-HBc is specific for recent infection.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To distinguish between past and recent infections. The presence of IgM anti-HBc indicates a recent infection, whereas total anti-HBc can indicate a past or chronic infection.

3. Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) and Antibody (anti-HBe):

   • Purpose: To assess the infectivity and stage of HBV infection. HBeAg is a marker of high infectivity and active viral replication.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate the likelihood of transmission to others and to monitor chronic Hepatitis B infections. The presence of anti-HBe can indicate lower levels of virus and reduced infectivity.

4. Liver Function Test:

   • Purpose: To assess liver health and function.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate the impact of HBV infection on the liver and to monitor liver health in individuals with chronic Hepatitis B.

5. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

   • Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To check for signs of anemia or other blood-related issues that can accompany liver disease.

6. Hepatitis C Antibody Test:

   • Purpose: To screen for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Because individuals at risk for HBV may also be at risk for HCV, co-testing for HCV is often recommended.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test, provide a comprehensive view of an individual's Hepatitis B status and liver health. They are crucial for diagnosing and managing HBV infection, assessing the response to vaccination, and monitoring liver function in affected individuals. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s risk factors, vaccination history, and clinical presentation.

Conditions where a Qualitative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody test is recommended:

The Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test is crucial for:

• Vaccination Assessment: To verify the effectiveness of the Hepatitis B vaccine and determine if further vaccination is needed.
• HBV Infection Status: To confirm whether a person has recovered from a past HBV infection and developed immunity.
• Healthcare Workers: Ensuring healthcare professionals have adequate protection against HBV.
• Pre-Surgery Screening: To reduce the risk of HBV transmission during medical procedures.

How does my health care provider use a Qualitative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody test?

• Vaccination Guidance: A positive result indicates immunity to HBV, while a negative result might prompt vaccination or additional doses.
• Infection History: Positive results suggest a person has successfully recovered from a past HBV infection.
• Medical Procedures: Healthcare providers use results to ensure safety during surgeries or other medical interventions.
• Immunity Assessment: Healthcare workers can determine if they have sufficient immunity against HBV to avoid occupational exposure risks.

In summary, the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test plays a pivotal role in assessing immunity to Hepatitis B and determining past infection or vaccination success. Healthcare providers use the results to guide vaccination strategies, assess infection history, and ensure safety during medical procedures.

What do my Qualitative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody test results mean?

If antibodies are not detected, it indicates that a person has not developed antibodies to the Hepatitis B Virus.

If antibodies are detected, it indicates that a person has developed antibodies to the Hepatitis B Virus.

Clinical Significance

The detection of anti-HBs is indicative of a prior immunologic exposure to the antigen or vaccine. To determine immune status as ≥10 mIU/mL as per CDC guidelines, please order Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Quantitative.

Most Common Questions About the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test:

Clinical Utility and Interpretation

What does the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test detect?

The Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test detects the presence of antibodies to the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to a past or current HBV infection, or following vaccination against HBV.

What does a positive result indicate for the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test?

A positive result means that a person is either successfully vaccinated against HBV or has recovered from a past HBV infection. This typically suggests immunity against future hepatitis B infections.

If the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test is negative, does it mean I have never been exposed to the virus?

A negative result generally indicates a lack of immunity to HBV, meaning you haven't been vaccinated or previously exposed to the virus. However, it doesn't rule out a recent infection. Additional tests, like the hepatitis B surface antigen test, might be needed to diagnose a current infection.

Clinical Applications and Diagnoses

Why might a doctor order the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test?

This test can be ordered for several reasons, such as:

1. Assessing immunity status after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine.
2. Confirming immunity after a known exposure or previous infection.
3. Screening potential organ or blood donors.
4. Evaluating individuals who may be at increased risk for HBV, like healthcare workers.

In the context of hepatitis B diagnosis, how does this test differ from the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test?

While the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test detects antibodies produced in response to the virus or vaccination, the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test detects the presence of the virus itself. A positive surface antigen test suggests an active infection, while a positive surface antibody test indicates immunity.

Comparative Insights

If someone has received the Hepatitis B vaccine, how soon can the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test detect antibodies?

It typically takes about one to two months after the final dose of the vaccine series for antibodies to reach detectable levels. Testing too early after vaccination may yield a false-negative result.

Understanding Limitations and Challenges

If a person was exposed to hepatitis B long ago, would the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test still detect antibodies?

Yes, in most cases. Once produced, the hepatitis B surface antibodies usually persist in the blood for many years, and often for a lifetime, providing long-term immunity.

Can co-infections with other viruses affect the results of the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test?

Co-infections with other viruses, like hepatitis C or HIV, can potentially affect the immune response and might alter the production of hepatitis B surface antibodies. It's essential to interpret test results in the context of the individual's overall health and potential exposure risks.

Additional Questions and Insights

If the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Qualitative test is positive, do I still need the vaccine?

No, a positive result typically indicates immunity, either from a previous infection or successful vaccination. Further vaccination isn't necessary if immunity is confirmed.

Is it possible for someone who has received the Hepatitis B vaccine to still get infected with the virus?

While the hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and offers protection to the majority of individuals, no vaccine is 100% foolproof. However, breakthrough infections after vaccination are infrequent.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.