Is it normal to have a negative result for hepatitis B?
Disease description:
Hello, doctor. I'd like to ask if it's normal for hepatitis B test results to be negative?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Hepatitis B serological testing is a commonly used method for diagnosing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The presence of HBV antigens or antibodies in the patient's serum can be categorized into three types: hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc). However, note that "HBsAb" mentioned here typically refers to hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), not core antibody. When antigen levels are negative and antibody levels are positive (specifically anti-HBs), it indicates that the hepatitis B infection has resolved. In this situation, the serological test results show antigens negative and antibodies positive, meeting normal reference criteria, meaning the patient has recovered and is no longer infectious to others.
