Hi @james1,
Welcome to the forum and sorry you have been through the stress of uncertainty about your situation.
Indeed, the results you have posted are consistent with a false positive for HBsAg. It is worth getting other tests to confirm this, including an anti-HBc test (to test for previous exposure).
It may also be worth getting a booster for HBV, so that you have the peace of mind that you are protected in cases of future exposure.
Hope this helps,
Thomas
Hi @Bansah1
Thank you so much for the perspective. Yes, it most certainly helps.
And will get vaccinated again ASAP.
Will discuss with my primary if he requires any more HBsAG before I proceed to vaccination.
Based on last two negative HBsAG, the first positive notwithstanding, I will proceed as though I’m negative.
Would assume the first was a false positive? Or would you recommend I consult with a specialist?
Thank you so much for the advise!!!
Hi @James1,
You are welcome. Yes, your assumption is correct. At this point with 2 negative tests, I think it is more likely the first was a false positive. Get the vaccine now, and then after 2-3 months check anti-HBs. If it is positive then it confirms the negative test was correct. Best, Bansah1
I agree with @Bansah1 that the first one was likely a false positive, particularly given your anti-HBc is negative also.
TT
@ThomasTu @Bansah1,
Very much appreciate your feedback and am very grateful for your respective perspectives.
How common are HBsAg false positives?
Controlling for recent vaccination, ofc.
Have been going over different threads here and did some research online and seemingly very little information on the subject.
Hi @James1,
The false positive rate will be dependent on the specific test used, and there are several kits used globally to measure HBsAg. The false positive rates can be found with some digging (in the kit paperwork or in the studies needed to be carried out for appropriate approval for use in the clinic).
Sorry, I can’t be more specific without more information.
Cheers,
Thomas
I can’t give you a number, but such test results do happen sometimes. There have been some among patients on this platform. It does happen. Best, Bansah1.
You had these tests results before you began the vaccination process so I don’t see any correlation here. Two separate events without any influence on either one.