What does a negative hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) result mean?
Disease description:
A roommate was recently diagnosed with hepatitis B. Worried about possible infection, I underwent the five-item hepatitis B serological test. The results showed a negative hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb). What does a negative HBsAb result mean?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Huang Wenxiang
A negative hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) test result may indicate either that the individual has never been infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), or that they have been infected but have not developed protective immunity. A comprehensive assessment must be made in conjunction with the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test result. If HBsAg is positive, it indicates current HBV infection; if HBsAg is negative and anti-HBs is also negative, the individual has neither been infected nor developed immunity, and thus requires timely hepatitis B vaccination. Conversely, if HBsAg is positive, it confirms active HBV infection, necessitating prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
