Hepatitis B (or Hepatitis B) Screening: What You Need to Know

this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

It is recommended that every adult over the age of 18 have at least one hepatitis B screening test. Doctors may recommend screening tests for people who have hepatitis B symptoms or atypical liver function test results.

The CDC also recommends that pregnant women should take a hepatitis B screening test, preferably in the first trimester. This is because there is a risk of transmitting the virus to the baby during pregnancy or delivery.

Babies born to pregnant women with hepatitis B may need screening tests when they are 9-12 months old. In addition, screening is required within 1 or 2 months after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine.

Learn more about how hepatitis B is spread.

The main purpose of hepatitis B screening is to detect acute or chronic infection and, if necessary, initiate treatment as soon as possible. It is important to know a person’s hepatitis B status.

For some people, screening can reduce risk The following complications occur:

• liver failure
• emission Hepatitis B is transmitted to fetuses, sexual partners, others who share needles, instruments or sharp objects, and anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus
• die

People should talk to their doctor about getting tested for hepatitis B.

Learn about hepatitis B mortality rates.

The screening test involves taking a blood sample from a vein. After taking the sample, the doctor will send it to a laboratory for testing.

Hepatitis B screening, also known as the Hepatitis B Triple Test, consists of three parts. Combining the results of all three tests will determine whether a person has hepatitis B infection.

The hepatitis B triple screening test includes:

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)

A positive HBsAg test result indicates that someone is infected with hepatitis B. This part of the test detects the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the blood. A positive HBsAg test also means the virus can be spread to others through the blood.

Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb)

A positive HBsAb test result indicates that a person is protected against hepatitis B. Protection against the virus may come from successfully recovering from a past hepatitis B infection or receiving the hepatitis B vaccine.

Additionally, testing positive for HBsAb means a person may be immune to HBV. People who test positive for HBsAb do not have hepatitis B and therefore cannot pass the virus to others.

Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)

A positive HBcAb test result indicates current or past hepatitis B infection.Unlike surface antibodies, core antibodies do not provide protection or immunity against HBV.

Before the HBcAb test results are fully understood, doctors need to know the results of the other two parts of the screening test.

Learn more about hepatitis B surface antibodies.

If someone receives a positive result for hepatitis B, their doctor can advise on next steps. Most people will start treatment with antiviral medications. Doctors may recommend that people with hepatitis B make some lifestyle changes, such as giving up alcohol. There is no cure for hepatitis B, and although antiviral drugs can suppress the virus, it remains in the liver.

Websites and organizations that can provide support for people living with hepatitis B include:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: This organization provides many resources about hepatitis B and what to expect.
• Hepatitis B Foundation: The organization supports people living with hepatitis B around the world, raising awareness of the disease and helping people with the disease cope with challenges.
• american liver foundation: The organization provides support for people with liver disease, including hepatitis B.

Joining a support group within your local community can help build a network of contacts where people can share their experiences and offer support or advice.

Is there a cure for hepatitis B? Learn more here.

Hepatitis B screening tests can help determine whether a person has hepatitis B and whether the virus can be passed to other people. Hepatitis B screening has many benefits, such as detection of the hepatitis B virus and prompt treatment if necessary.

The hepatitis B screening test only requires a blood sample. Doctors can only determine a person’s hepatitis B status by combining the results of the three separate components of the screening test (HBsAg, HBsAb, and HBcAb).