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What Does A Positive Hepatitis B Antigen Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 9 Apr 2015

Question: Hi , My name is XXXX, i have recently donated blood to XXXXXXX red cross in USA , after a month i have received a letter and test results saying , your blood can't be accepted due to some of the tests are came positive . following are the test's came REACTIVE , 1. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test , 2. Hepatitis B core Antibodies test , 3. HBV Discriminatory XXXXXXX . Just want to understand how serious this? , i am trying to get the appoinement for local physician but till now its on queue . Could you please help me for further steps which specialist i have to get in touch ...!

Thanks in advance . !

Answered by Dr. Chalapathi Rao Achanta (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please visit a doctor specialized in gastroenterology or hepatology

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXX
Good morning
Sorry to hear about your illhealth
Hepatitis B infection in country of your origin ie., XXXXXXX is around 2-4%
Not all cases of hepatitis B are serious and to identify the stage we need to do some more tests to identify the amount and activity of virus and the amount of liver damage occurred. The tests generally include liver function tests, HBEAG, Anti HBE, HBV DNA PCR levels, HBSAG quantification, liver elastography etc.
I would suggest you visit a physician who is specialized in gastroenterology or hepatology for a better and early decision making

Hope this would answer your question
Wish you a speedy recovery

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chalapathi Rao Achanta (5 hours later)

Thanks you so much for your quick response , The earliest appointment i got by May 26th , Here getting appointment for gastroelogists is bit time taken , is it ok to wait another 2 months for the specialist or i have to find any other way immediately ?
if it will be ok to wait another 2 months , mean while do u suggest any precautions ?

Thanks in advance .!

Regards,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Chalapathi Rao Achanta (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid routes transmitting the virus to others

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXX
Good morning
I completely understand the system in USA
In the mean time, if possible, I would suggest you may get the following investigations done to assess the amount of virus and its activity in the body and the amount of liver disease that you are suffering with
HBEAG, HBEAB, HBSAG quantification, HBV DNA Quantitative PCR, HBV genotype, Liver function tests, AFP.
Further your doctor will perform an ultrasound for your liver and abdomen and liver elastography to assess fibrosis in your liver.
So by the time you get ready for your appointment, you may try getting these tests through a GP there
Meanwhile you should avoid the routes of transmitting the virus to others. Since the virus is transmitted through blood and sexual contact, please avoid sharing razors or needles with others, use condoms during intercourse.
Perform HBSAG test on all your household members, contacts and family members. Vaccinate those who turn HBSAG negative for this test (If not vaccinated before) and positive members should consult a doctor
It is worthwhile to perform this blood test on your parents also as it is possible that mother can transmit the virus to children during pregnancy

Hope this would answer your question
Wish you a speedy recovery

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E