Is liver function in healthy individuals negative or positive?

Jan 25, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, there is no concept of "negative" or "positive" for liver function in healthy individuals. The terms "negative" and "positive" mainly refer to the results of the five-item hepatitis B test. For healthy individuals, the results of this test can be entirely negative, or may show a positive hepatitis B surface antibody with the other four items being negative. If abnormal results are found in the five-item hepatitis B test, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly and undergo further examinations and treatment as directed by a physician.

Generally speaking, the concept of "negative" or "positive" liver function does not apply to healthy individuals. The terms negative and positive mainly refer to the results of the hepatitis B five-item test. For a healthy individual, the results of the hepatitis B five-item test may either be entirely negative, or only the hepatitis B surface antibody may be positive with the other four items negative. Detailed explanations are as follows:

The hepatitis B five-item test is a group of routine indicators used to evaluate chronic hepatitis B. It includes hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb), and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb). If a person has neither been infected with the hepatitis B virus nor vaccinated against it, their hepatitis B five-item test results may all be negative, indicating no infection with the hepatitis B virus and no presence of immune antibodies against it in the body.

For individuals who have been vaccinated against hepatitis B and have successfully developed an immune response, only the hepatitis B surface antibody might be positive while the other four items remain negative. This is because the hepatitis B surface antibody is a protective antibody capable of effectively defending against hepatitis B virus infection. Such results indicate that the individual has developed immunity against the hepatitis B virus and is in a healthy, protected state. Both of these situations indicate current good health.

If the hepatitis B five-item test results are abnormal, timely medical consultation is recommended for further investigation and treatment as directed by a physician.

Related Articles

View All