How Do I Get Tested For Hepatitis B/HBV?
How Do I Get Tested For Hepatitis B/HBV? Answer: There are three blood tests for Hepatitis B. One tests for the virus itself, and two test for your body s reaction to the virus. Sometimes your healthcare provider will do all three tests, since they tell her different things. • If you are positive for the antigen test (HBsAg) it means that you are currently infected with the virus and can pass it to other. If you clear an HBV infection, and do not remain chronically infected, you will usually test negative again within 4 months after your symptoms resolve. • If you are positive on the anti-HBs test, which looks for your body s reaction to a surface protein of the virus, it means that you are immune to Hepatitis B. This could either be because you were previously exposed to the virus or because you were vaccinated. You can not pass the virus to others.
