Positive hepatitis B surface antigen means
Disease description:
I recently had a physical examination at the hospital, and the results showed that I am hepatitis B surface antigen positive. I would like to ask, what does it mean to be hepatitis B surface antigen positive?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
It means that the patient has the hepatitis B virus in his or her body—that is, he or she is infected with the hepatitis B virus. This may indicate a chronic hepatitis B infection, acute infection, or being a hepatitis B virus carrier.
In general, it indicates being a carrier of hepatitis B or experiencing an active infection, but does not necessarily imply severe liver disease. Further medical evaluation is needed to determine the status of the virus—for instance, whether it is a chronic infection, whether liver function is normal, and whether treatment is required.
If the hepatitis B surface antigen test result is positive, doctors usually recommend additional related tests, such as hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe), and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). These markers can help determine the stage and activity of the infection. Additionally, liver function tests are also necessary to assess whether the liver is damaged.
After learning of a positive hepatitis B surface antigen result, one should follow the doctor's advice, which may include regular monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, vaccination (if applicable), and antiviral therapy as needed.
