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Get FREE screenings if you are in Boston!

There are several types of hepatitis B screenings. They are all detected through a blood test. There are several tests used to detect the presence of hepatitis B antibodies or antigens. Antibodies are produced by the body to offer protection from antigens (foreign proteins).

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a marker of infectivity. If you receive a "positive" result, it means you have either acute or chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection. If you receive a "negative" result, it means that you either have never been infected with hepatitis B and therefore need to get vaccinated or you have been infected with hepatitis B but developed your own immunity. For "negative" results, you will need one of the additional 2 screenings listed below.

Hepatitis B surface antibody (HbsAb) or Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) is a marker of immunity. If you receive a "positive" result, it indicates an immune response to Hepatitis B Virus infection, an immune response to vaccination, or the presence of passively acquired antibody.

Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) or Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) is a marker of acute, chronic, or resolved Hepatitis B Virus infection. It is not a marker of vaccine-induced immunity. It may be used in prevaccination testing to determine previous exposure to Hepatitis B Virus infection.

A full panel blood test means that all three of the above screenings are performed:

For additional screenings, please see "Hepatitis B Facts: Testing and Vaccination" from Immunization Action Coalition.

We have often heard that some doctors may not agree to screen you for hepatitis B because it is not part of routine physical examinations. Prior to your exam, you should bring in one of our educational materials or here's a good one that the Immunization Action Coalition produced.