Current infection, past infection and immunity are covered by this extended Hepatitis B Profile which looks at three antibodies that are made by the body's immune system in response to infection from Hepatitis B (HBV). They are Hepatitis Surface Antibody (anti-HBs), Hepatitis Surface Antigen (anti-HBsAg), and Hepatitis B Core Antibodies (anti-HBc)

The result of this test for antibodies to the Hepatitis B virus will inform you whether or not you have been infected by HBV, at some point up to about 3-4 weeks prior to submitting the sample. The profile also contains information (from the types of antibodies present or not) concerning immunity or ongoing active infection (as opposed to being simply a carrier of the infection).

HBV is a vaccine-preventable infection with significant risk of future deterioration of health for people who develop chronic hepatitis. HBV is a transmitted virus which can be acquired from blood or blood products contracted via blood transfusion, contaminated needles, tattooing or body piercing. It can also be transmitted by sexual contact between an infected and non immune partner.

Please be aware that if contact has been within the past 3-4 weeks, the antibodies to HBV may not have reached a detectable level - in which case repeat testing a further 4 weeks later should be considered, especially if the risk of having acquired one of these infections is considered to be high.