I am 54 year old female from South Africa and a Hep B Carrier from my birth Mom, who passed away when I was six because of Hep B and Liver Cancer. I only found out now that there is risk for Hep B carriers. I think I am very healthy currently. I don’t drink alcohol and smoke and eat healthy the past decade as my health was not good previously and I was very sensitive to chemicals. Which tests should I do for myself ? I attach below Liver Function Test that was done end 2024 (just random no concerns).
The next Liver test was done end 2017
Please let me know if I need more testing ? I see mention in the community of AFP blood testing and ultra sound.
My husband was vaccinated for Hep B (3 shots) around the time we got married 2011/2012. I cannot remember if he was tested for Hep B before getting the shots. Is there testing you recommend for him ? He was in a serious accident 3 years ago and was struggling with pain etc and was extremely sick of all the medications, so much that he had to stop using it and are following an anti-inflammatory diet which seems to help a lot. He also stopped smoking 14 years ago and stopped drinking alcohol 1 year ago. Here is his Test below taken earlier this week (just random)
My son received 3 x Hep B Shots when he was born. 1 st shot was on the day of his birth, the 2 nd shot was just under 2 months later and the 3 rd shot was about another 10 months on. If I remember correctly he received another Hep B shot at age 12, but nothing after that. I have not spoken to him about is, because I went through a very difficult divorce when he was 5/6 years old and did not think there was risk for him as he was vaccinated and I did not realize there was risk for me. Please let me know if you think he needs any testing ?
Hi Angel, the good news is that your liver function tests look normal. I agree that it would be a good idea to get AFP tested, as well as HBV DNA, if those tests are available in your area. Liver ultrasound is also recommended every 6 months.
As for your family, I do think that it would be useful for them to get tested for hepatitis B. Make sure the doctor runs the triple panel, consisting of HBsAg, HBsAb and HBcAb, as this will give you the full picture in terms of immunity, or current/past infection. As you said, it’s possible your husband may have already had hep B before getting the vaccine. As for your son, it’s recommended for babies born to HBV positive mothers to be tested after completing the vaccine series, as there’s a small chance that the baby can still get HBV despite receiving the vaccine (a lot of this has to do with your viral load at the time you gave birth).
Hi @Angel,
How long ago were they all vaccinated? In most people, antibodies last a lifetime. But there is a small number of people for whom the antibody wanes, and they require a booster. If it’s been 10 years or longer, I would recommend that they get their surface antibody measured again, making sure that they still have strong protection. If there is any decline, then a booster shot will be recommended.
Best, Bansah1
Hi Bansah, thank you very much for your feedback. My husband got his 3 HepB shots in 2011 and my son also got his booster shot in 2011, so both 14 years ago. So then I will get them to do the Surface Antibody testing. Thanks so much !
