EXPLAINER: Lab results and their interpretation

I suspect I caught it in January. I had a big party and I didnt pay that much attention to my own comsuption.
I will definitely retake a test in two months. Thank you for your reply!

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Sure, lets see what the results are in two months. Sharing with others is a possible mode of HBV transmission and vaccination is the best protection against HBV. If your surface antigen and antibodies remains negative with no viral DNA, then you will need to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Take care and keep us posted. Thanks, Bansah1

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Dear @JeanGenie,

It may be possible that your original HBsAg test was a false-positive. I say this as all of your other HBV markers are negative, including anti-HBc which is present in cases of exposure, present, and past infection.

Agree with the previous points about repeating blood tests to work out what is happening, but if indeed all your markers remain negative, the general suggested recommendation is to be vaccinated so that you would be protected against any future exposure events.

Thomas

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Hello Hep B community! I’m a 30-year-old male diagnosed with Hepatitis B last December during a routine checkup. My initial lab results showed HBsAg reactive, HBV DNA 802 million, ALT 120 u/mL, HBsAb reactive and HBeAg reactive. After starting Truvada, my HBV DNA dropped to 21,000 IU/mL and ALT to 61 u/mL within four months. This journey has been tough, filled with fears about the future. Can anyone share tips on coping with the emotional aspects of living with Hep B?"

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Hello community,
Can anyone help me with my results.
Hep b Surface Antigen-Tested reactive
Hep b surface antibody-tested reactive >1000mIU/ML
Hep b Core antibody- non reactive.
I have had the hep b vaccine dose given to me twice.

Welcome @Shiro

I’m not an expert but someone with more

knowledge will answer your questions soon.

Blessings

@ThomasTu @availlant @Bansah1

It would be interesting to ask your doctor for a quantitative test for your surface antigen. You might be able to see if it’s low and on your way to a functional cure. I also am positive for both, the way it’s been explained to me is that there’s various mutations that the hbv virus can make and that the surface antibodies might mount a defense but it’s not enough to overcome the quantity of the surface antigen that is being produced.

Hi @Shiro,
Welcome to the community, and sorry about the late responses. Your results indicate that you tested positive for both HBsAg and HBsAb. While this is very rare, it is also challenging to tell whether the test for the surface antigen is a false positive. Have you had a viral load/HBV DNA test done? I also agree with @Albasil808 about getting a surface antigen quantitative done, as it will help provide a full picture of your condition. Getting either test done and maybe repeating the HBsAg test can help. Thanks, Bansah1

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Hi @ Shiro
According to your HBV profile, your anti HBc negative that means you had never exposed or infected with HBV. Your anti HBs > 1,000 mIU/ml which is very high and suggests that you have strong immunity against HBV . However, your HBsAg is positive that paradox with anti HBs positive, so the chances may be from false positive laboratory result for HBsAg like @ Bansah mentioned and the other may be from your HBV vaccine which contains HBsAg that can persists in blood circulation for about one month. So, if you get tested for HBsAg within 1 month after vaccination , your HBsAg test result may positive. I hope this may help you to understand your HBV profile.

chul_chan
Chulapong Chanta MD. Pediatrics

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Dear @ Shiro,

What kind of HBcAg antibody test did you have performed? Total (IgG + IgM) or IgM?

@availlant

Hi @Shiro,

Welcome to the forum!

Yes, I agree with @availlant that you should check whether this is a IgM anti-HBc (which detects recent HBV exposure) or a total anti-HBc (which detects any previous HBV exposure) test.

It’d also be worthwhile to provide us with when you got the vaccination and when you got the blood test to address the point that @chul_chan has mentioned: the vaccine can also produce a positive HBsAg test.

Hope this helps,
Thomas

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Hello everyone!
I did my regular 6 monts check up and I wanted your thoughts on these results:

Note that I am not under any medication.

  1. My viral load was negative/undetected for the first time in 11 years (but the doctor ordered a retest).
  2. My ALT and ASAT level were normal (last time, 6 months ago, ALT were 80 with 46 being the normal threshold).
  3. HBs was positve
  4. Anti HBs was negative.

My doctor (GP) wanted to check if I cleared the virus and sent me to a hepatologist for further tests.

Unfortunately, this was not the case. Eveything was again normal in both tests (ALT, etc) but my viral load was a bit above 1000. Is this normal to have such different viral loads within ~3 weeks? (Note that this was the time in 3 years by viral load went above 1000).

Best,
Drew

Hi @Drew_rous

I would say from my knowledge that results can fluctuate but I’m not a doctor or medical professional.

Someone with more knowledge than me will help you soon.

Fantastic that you are undetectable

@Bansah1 @ThomasTu @john.tavis @availlant

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Hi @Drew_rous,
I have not experienced that with my viral load. What I have experienced has been with my ALT and AST. I have had different numbers just a couple of days apart. I also think onetime, my results said HBV DNA was undetectable, and the next results said it was detectable. But I have not seen a change in the actual viral load numbers over a few weeks apart from testing. The best way is to get this test repeated again in 2 -3 months to see what the results are. I hope this helps, Bansah1

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Dear @Drew_rous,

Yes this can happen when not under NUC suppression. I would not be concerned about this fluctuation; it is not surprising given that you are still HBsAg positive.

Were the tests for HBV viral load (HBV DNA) referred by your GP and your hepatologist done at the same lab?

@availlant

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Hello! Thank your for your answer. I expected a smaller fluctuation within such a small interval.
As for the lab. I am not sure. I think not.

Following was my most recent test result:

HBV DNA IU/mL

IUnits/mL

Value

249,000,000

HBV DNA log IU/mL

log IUnits/mL

Value

8.40

The doctor adviced me that i do not need to take any treatment at this time. My ultrasound came out normal as well. I appreciate any input and comments.

Welcome @Tse

Hmm I can’t answer your question as I’m not qualified.

We do have experts who can help you, soon.

They shouldn’t take too long to respond.

We must listen to the advice of our Doctors.

But I understand your concerns of seeking a separate opinion.

Blessings.
@HealthExperts @Bansah1

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HBeAg status is missing, viral genotype is missing, liver tests are missing and risk factors for HCC are missing, age ? All these info are crucial to define eligibility for antiHBV therapy, see new EASL 2025 HBV guidelines for further details, J Hepatol. 2025 May 8:S0168-8278(25)00174-6

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Hi @Tse,
Welcome to the community. The results you shared indicate that your viral load is significantly high. This test alone can’t be used to make a treatment recommendation. You will need liver tests such as ALT, AST, HBsAg (with quantification), and other tests mentioned by @PLampertico. While HBV DNA/viral load and ultrasound are required tests, you are missing a few key ones here. Do you remember getting any of the tests, as mentioned earlier, done? They are important pieces in making a treatment decision. Thanks, Bansah1

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