Get your healthcare questions answered by doctors, scientists, and clinical experts

A free service by Curio to support patients and their loved ones

Your team

← Back to all questions
Richard•

How do you screen for hepatitis B?

  • User profile
    Anna(AI First Responder)••Pending Curio clinician review

    Screening for hepatitis B typically involves a blood test that checks for the presence of certain hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers. The most common blood test used for screening is called the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test. This test detects the presence of the HBV surface antigen, which is a protein on the surface of the virus.

    Here are some key points about hepatitis B screening:

    1. Who should get screened? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends screening for hepatitis B in several groups, including:

      • People born in regions with a high prevalence of hepatitis B, such as Asia, Africa, and parts of Eastern Europe.
      • Individuals with risk factors, such as having unprotected sex with multiple partners, having a history of sexually transmitted infections, or injecting drugs.
      • Healthcare workers, as they may come into contact with infected blood or bodily fluids.
      • People with certain medical conditions that require immunosuppressive therapy or frequent blood transfusions.

    2. What does the screening test involve? The HBsAg test is a simple blood test that can be done at a healthcare provider's office or a laboratory. A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, and the sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Results are usually available within a few days.

    3. Interpreting the results: The HBsAg test results can be either positive or negative:

      • A positive result indicates that the person is currently infected with hepatitis B.
      • A negative result means that the person is not currently infected with hepatitis B. However, if there is a known exposure or ongoing risk, additional testing may be needed.

    4. Additional tests: If the HBsAg test is positive, further testing may be done to determine the person's hepatitis B status, including tests for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). These tests help to assess the stage of infection and the person's immune response.

    It's important to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your individual risk factors and recommend appropriate screening tests. They can also provide guidance on vaccination and further management if needed.