EXPLAINER: Lab results and their interpretation

Hi @Thomas

I had my results repeated and they are as follows

 Hepatitis B Surface antigen [HBsAg]        Not Detected
 Hepatitis B Surface antibody [HBsAb]       < 10   IU/L
 Hepatitis B Core antibody (Total) [HBcT]  DETECTED 

So the doctor suspects that l may have been exposed to hep B in my childhood and have been asked to do the viral load test. My question is since HBsAg is negative is it possible l may have chronic hep B?

Hello again I had a question about recent blood work I’ve had done. My globulin and protein were high. I’m wondering if this could be a sign of reactivation? But I’m also not sure if it could be a Crohn’s flare for the reasoning if that could cause the elevation? Rest of blood work is normal. I have a follow up with GI and a CT scan this week. I’m just curious if there’s any chance I should expect to see a reactivation in hep b?

Hi @Bae,

If you are HBsAg-negative, then you do not have a current HBV infection.

It’s not common that you are previously exposed and you are both HBsAg and anti-HBs negative. It might be worth repeating to see if the anti-HBc test was a false positive. In any case, you could consider getting a booster so that your antibody levels are at protective levels.

Hi @Michaelmike223, the only way to check for reactivation is testing of HBV markers. Increase globulin and protein levels are not indicators of reactivation.

Thomas