How to check for hepatitis B antibodies

May 14, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Jiang Weimin

Introduction

Check for the presence of hepatitis B antibodies through tests including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), and hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb). These antibody tests can determine whether an individual has been infected with the hepatitis B virus.

Generally, checking for hepatitis B antibodies can be done through blood tests, such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing, hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) testing, hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) testing, and hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb) testing. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Testing

A positive result indicates that the individual may be infected with the hepatitis B virus. If the HBsAg test result is negative, it means there is no current hepatitis B virus infection.

2. Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb) Testing

A positive result indicates that immunity against the hepatitis B virus has been developed, either naturally through prior infection or artificially through hepatitis B vaccination.

3. Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb) Testing

A positive result indicates past infection with the hepatitis B virus, whether an acute infection, a previous infection, or a recovered state.

4. Hepatitis B e Antibody (HBeAb) Testing

A positive result suggests low viral replication activity and a relatively stable clinical condition.

These hepatitis B antibody tests help determine whether an individual has been infected with the hepatitis B virus, whether immunity exists, and the level of viral replication activity. It is recommended to undergo testing at a professional medical institution to ensure reliability of the results.

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After receiving the hepatitis B antibody shot, will I get infected from eating food that was previously eaten by someone with hepatitis B?

Receiving antibodies usually refers to having developed protective antibodies after getting the hepatitis B vaccine. In such cases, eating food previously consumed by a person with hepatitis B generally does not lead to infection. It should be noted that the antibodies produced after hepatitis B vaccination are not lifelong. Patients are advised to regularly check their liver function and monitor antibody levels. If antibody levels decline, timely booster doses of the hepatitis B vaccine should be administered to ensure continued effectiveness of protection.

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Is a hepatitis B antibody level of 57 mIU/mL sufficient, or is a booster needed?

Does an anti-HBs level of 57 mIU/mL require a booster? The term "hepatitis B antibody" here refers specifically to hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). An anti-HBs level of 57 mIU/mL generally does not require a booster. Typically, if the hepatitis B surface antibody level is greater than 10 mIU/mL, a hepatitis B vaccine booster is not necessary; however, if it is less than 10 mIU/mL, a booster dose is recommended.

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Should I get a hepatitis B vaccine if my hepatitis B antibody level is less than 100 IU/mL?

Hepatitis B antibody levels below 100 IU/mL usually require vaccination, although vaccination may not always be necessary. The actual need varies from person to person. Specific analysis is as follows: Hepatitis B virus is a common infectious disease in daily life, primarily caused by the hepatitis B virus. Patients with hepatitis B may experience symptoms such as fatigue and body aches.

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Is a booster needed with a hepatitis B antibody level of 84 mIU/ml?

Under normal circumstances, a hepatitis B antibody level of 84 mIU/ml does not require a booster. Hepatitis B antibodies refer to protective antibodies produced by the body in response to hepatitis B virus infection, typically meaning hepatitis B surface antibodies. The normal level for hepatitis B surface antibody is generally above 10 mIU/ml, and the patient's hepatitis B surface antibody level is 84 mIU/ml.