How often should hepatitis B virus carriers undergo check-ups?
Aug 02, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
HBV carriers refer to individuals who have been positive for hepatitis B surface antigen for more than six months, show no obvious symptoms or signs of hepatitis, and maintain normal liver function. If liver function remains normal, examinations are typically conducted every 6 to 12 months; however, if liver function is abnormal, examinations are recommended every 3 to 6 months. The core purpose of regular check-ups is to promptly detect any changes in the condition and avoid delays in treatment due to the absence of symptoms.
Generally, a hepatitis B virus carrier refers to a person who has been positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen for more than six months, shows no obvious symptoms or signs of hepatitis, and maintains consistently normal liver function. If liver function is normal, testing every 6–12 months is usually sufficient. However, if liver function is abnormal, testing every 3–6 months is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
In general, for carriers with normal liver function, negative hepatitis B virus DNA, and no evidence of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, it is recommended to undergo testing every 6–12 months. The testing panel should include liver function tests, hepatitis B virus DNA levels, alpha-fetoprotein, and abdominal ultrasound to monitor for hepatitis activity or disease progression.
If hepatitis B virus DNA is positive, especially with a high viral load (>2000 IU/mL), or if the individual is over 40 years old, has a family history of liver cancer, or shows signs of liver fibrosis, the frequency of testing should be increased. Testing every 3–6 months is recommended to detect liver function abnormalities, active viral replication, or intrahepatic lesions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer at an earlier stage.
The core purpose of regular monitoring is to promptly identify disease changes and avoid delayed treatment due to the absence of symptoms, as some carriers may gradually develop liver inflammation or fibrosis over time, potentially progressing to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
