What does it mean if my blood bank said I tested positive for hepatitis B and can no longer donate blood?
If the blood bank told you your test was “positive,” it is important to find out which test was positive. If the “HBsAg” was positive, this means that you are either chronically infected with HBV or were recently infected. If only the “anti-HBc” was positive, it is most likely that you either had a “false-positive” test or are immune to hepatitis B. It is important that you understand the full meaning of your test results. If you are not sure how to interpret these test results, call your blood bank for an explanation or have the blood bank send the test results to your physician. You may need to provide written permission for the blood bank to release these results to your physician. Your physician may want to repeat the blood tests or perform additional tests such as an “anti-HBs.” Bring this information sheet along with you to your doctor visit.
