tbird,
titers are a measurement ... a quantitative amount.
To answer your question, this is what i have been lead to believe.
DNA might need to be tested when you do
***** NOT *****
fit one of these categories in the diagnostic matrix:
1) never been exposed to hbv
or
2) immune from a past infection
or
3) immune from a vaccination
To put it in different terms,
if you fit in one of the above,
you do NOT NEED a DNA test.
The diagnostic matrix can be found here
on our welcome page
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/HepB-Introduction--Welcome-Page/show/34?cid=153
***thunderbird10, make no mistake YOU DO FIT IN THE 2nd category and as we all have said above, you are immune from past infection.***
As for occult, well......
You are approaching an area that is debated among the experts.
My laymen advice to you is now that you have the basics down,
its time for you to do some reading and research if you are still have testing questions.
This will be the best route for the answers you seek.
STart here,
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5708a1.htm
paying particular attention to the these sections :
> Rationale for Testing to Identify Persons With Chronic HBV Infection
> Recommendations
> table 4
jmho
apache