What does it mean for surface antibody to be negative or positive?

　　Surface antibody usually refers to hepatitis B surface antibody. The status of hepatitis B surface antibody—whether negative or positive—reflects an individual's immune status against the hepatitis B virus, with specific analysis as follows:

　　A negative or positive hepatitis B surface antibody result directly reflects an individual’s immunity to the hepatitis B virus. A positive result often arises from prior vaccination or previous infection, after which the immune system produces protective antibodies. These antibodies can recognize and bind to the virus, preventing it from entering liver cells and thereby protecting against infection. A negative result indicates the absence of such protective antibodies, which may be due to never having received the vaccine, failure to develop an effective immune response after vaccination, or a gradual decline in antibody levels over time. Individuals with negative results face a relatively higher risk of infection and should consider whether vaccination or revaccination is necessary based on their specific circumstances.

　　Regular testing of antibody levels helps clarify one’s immune status; timely vaccination or booster doses should be administered if the result is negative or if antibody titers are insufficient. Maintain good hygiene practices, and avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors that might come into contact with blood. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet, maintain regular sleep patterns, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen overall health. Avoid unsterile medical procedures to reduce infection risk, and seek prompt medical advice if potential exposure occurs.