HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Does Reactive HBsAg Test Result Indicate?

my friend was tested HBsAg and his result was REACTIVE, we had second opinion to another lab. clinic and it also turned out REACTIVE. then i sent myself as well to test if I am also infected, someone advised me to consider anti HBs test because I was vaccinated with booster dose of Hepa B vaccine in my work.. my test result is >1000.. does it mean im protected so nothing to worry? or should i consider another test to make sure?
Tue, 3 Oct 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
Incomplete data like age, gender, purpose of doing these tests, and incomplete report.

I can understand your concerns regarding the lab test results.
Given below are the explanation for each of the tests done.

1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen)

A "REACTIVE" or "POSITIVE" HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with hepatitis B.
This test can detect the actual presence of the hepatitis B virus (called the “surface antigen”) in the blood.

Since your friend is tested to be positive, then further testing is needed to determine if this is a new “acute” infection or a “chronic” hepatitis B infection.

A positive HBsAg test result means that a person is infected and can spread the hepatitis B virus to others through his blood.

2. Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs):

It is a protective antibody and indicates immunity to HBV either through past infection or through successful vaccination.

A positive anti-HBs means you are “immune” and protected against the hepatitis B virus and cannot be infected. You are not infected and cannot spread hepatitis B to others.

Hope to have answered your queries.

A feedback is appreciated.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
People also viewed
What Does Reactive HBsAg Test Result Indicate?

Hi & Welcome. Incomplete data like age, gender, purpose of doing these tests, and incomplete report. I can understand your concerns regarding the lab test results. Given below are the explanation for each of the tests done. 1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) A REACTIVE or POSITIVE HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with hepatitis B. This test can detect the actual presence of the hepatitis B virus (called the “surface antigen”) in the blood. Since your friend is tested to be positive, then further testing is needed to determine if this is a new “acute” infection or a “chronic” hepatitis B infection. A positive HBsAg test result means that a person is infected and can spread the hepatitis B virus to others through his blood. 2. Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs): It is a protective antibody and indicates immunity to HBV either through past infection or through successful vaccination. A positive anti-HBs means you are “immune” and protected against the hepatitis B virus and cannot be infected. You are not infected and cannot spread hepatitis B to others. Hope to have answered your queries. A feedback is appreciated.