HEPATITIS B COMMUNITY
Confusing Blood Test

Confusing Blood Test

I recently received a letter from my local Blood Bank following my quarterly blood donation.  The letter indicated that my recent donation was positive for the antibody to the HepatitisB core antigen (anti-HBc).  The letter advised, "Don't be concerned" and added, "There is no need to contact your physician."  A few lines later the following statement appeared: "Because an association has been made between donors with a positive anti-HBc test and the development of HepatitisC in the recipients of their blood, donors with a positive anti-HBc test must be deferred.  Please review the results of your screening and keep this for your records."

ALT: Normal (Normal is less than or equal to 106mI.U.)
Anti-HBc (ELISA): Positive
HBsAg: Negative
Anti-HCV (Screening): Negative

No further explanation was provided.  Do these test results indicate that I have HepatitisB or do they indicate that I am immune to HepatitisB?  Am I at risk for HepatitisB or C?  I am genuinely confused and cannot find helpful information.  Should I be concerned for my husband (we've been in a monogamous relationship for 7 1/2 years)?  I have been a regular donor, why did I not show an anti-HBc positive previously?  The only exposure to any needle in the past three years has been from blood donations at the Central Blood Bank.  Prior to that, the only exposure to needles was from physician-administered vaccinations.  I have never used drugs (IV or other) and have never been promiscuous.  Could you please help to explain these test results to me and recommend what action I need to take?
Thank you
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