Your Hepatitis B Test Results (English)

Your Hepatitis B Test Results

HBsAg Negative

anti-HBs Negative

anti-HBc Positive

This means:

You had hepatitis B infection in the past but your antibody level was not measurable. This could mean: - your antibody levels have dropped over the years or - you at a certain stage of chronic hepatitis B

What should you do?

Talk to the nurse about options available to you. This includes having booster vaccinations or having a specialist review

If your family/household members don’t know their hepatitis B status, talk to the nurse about arranging for them to receive hepatitis B screening.

Your Hepatitis B Test Results

HBsAg Positive

anti-HBs Negative

anti-HBc Positive

This means: You have chronic hepatitis B.

What should you do?

Chronic hepatitis B is a condition that can be managed with regular monitoring as well as treatment at strategic times. Speak to the nurse about getting assessed by a specialist and regular check-ups.

If your family/household members don’t know their hepatitis B status, we recommend that they receive hepatitis B screening.

Your Hepatitis B Test Results

HBsAg Negative

anti-HBs Negative

anti-HBc Negative

This means:

• You do not have chronic hepatitis B

• You have not had hepatitis B in the past

• You are not immune to hepatitis B, so you may get hepatitis B if you are exposed to the virus.

What should you do?

We recommend you getting a vaccination for hepatitis B. In Australia, the hepatitis B vaccine is free for people from high risk communities. Ask your GP or the nurse for more information.

Your Hepatitis B Test Results

HBsAg negative

anti-HBs Positive

anti-HBc Positive

This means:

• You do not have chronic hepatitis B

• You had hepatitis B in the past, but your body has cleared the virus naturally

• You have immunity to hepatitis B.

What should you do?

If your family/ household members don’t know their hepatitis B status, we recommend that they get tested. Speak to the nurse to find out how to arrange for them to be screened.

Let your doctor know about your past infection, as it can be reactivated if you are undergoing treatment that compromises your immune system e.g. chemotherapy or transplant.

Your Hepatitis B Test Results

HBsAg negative

anti-HBs Positive

anti-HBc negative

This means:

• You do not have chronic hepatitis B

• You did not have hepatitis B in the past

• You are immune to hepatitis B from past vaccination.

What should you do?

This is a good result. There is nothing you need to do in relation to hepatitis B.