HBSAg. Please someone explain????

[Tommy420]

I recently only had a HBSag test done for Hepatitis B after a questionable sexual encounter about 4.5 months ago. The result was negative. I know there are many different tests for Hepatitis B. Can anyone tell me what a negative HBSag test means exactly? I know it means that I currently don't have an acute infection. But is it possible that I have the virus in my system and am a carrier but it's just not active currently? Should I get further testing? Thanks

[jboyhk]

No, you are fine in terms of HBV. Acute and chronic carriers test + for HBsAg

[Hepatitis Researcher]

You need an anti-HBc-total IgG (antiHBV coreAntibody test) to be sure the virus was never encountered and/or an anti HbS Antibody.
If neg get vaccinated.

[Tommy420]

I just need to know if I am currently infected with the HBV virus. Wouldn't the HBsAG test tell me that? I'm not concerned with if I ever had the virus...not even sure if I've been vaccinated against it. Isn't it likely if I acquired the virus 4.5 months ago that my HBsAG test would most likely show a positive result? Thanks again.

[Hepatitis Researcher]

Nobody who ever encounters the HBV virus ever truly eliminates this virus. HBsAg in a person that has encountered the virus remains positive until its production has been reduced to the point that a specific  Antibody will neutralize these small remaining  amounts of surface antigen. Then you are HBsAg neg, HBsantibody positive. Or there is a silent window period in between. The anti core antibody is a sure indicator of true exposure = recently or a long time ago. If it is positive it means there are trace amounts of HBV in the body. It typically  does not really have a neg impact on your health, but it is good to know for situations in which immunosupressive therapy is required - like chemotherapy. Then even that tiny amount of virus often comes back und up and can cause acute Hepatitis B.

[Tommy420]

Thanks for all the info hepatitis researcher...I really and truly appreciate your input, as well as this forum. I guess my last, direct question is, if I did in fact get HBV from my one-time encounter 4.5 months ago, the chances of my HBsAG test coming positive now would still be great correct? Should I feel confident with my negative HBsAG test? Thanks

[Hepatitis Researcher]

In most cases the visible disease or HbSAg positivity appears within one to three month.  In rare cases it can take longer. But you could also already be negative by now - thats why i suggested the other tests.

[kitz2000]

i am pregnant for 4 months and my dr told me to have a laboratory test. and it cae out from my lab test that i am a Hbs Ag reactivated..but last 2001 i have a test for hbv and its negative so i have a 3 dose of vaccine for anti hepatitis and i got my booster too...how come the result of my test now is reactivated my doctor told me im a positive in hbv virus but she didnt explain anything,am i really infected?

[cajim]

Do you have all your test results?