Hep B antigen "non-reactive"

[basketballjones]

I received a letter saying the Hep B antigen is "non reactive", more tests ordered.  I will contact my doctor tomorrow.  What does that mean?  She told me I was a carrier two weeks ago.  Does this change anything?

[cajim]

Yes.  If your Hep B antigen is "non reactive", you are not a carrier.

[basketballjones]

I called the docs office today and had someone explain to me what my test results.  What I got was, "liver enzymes normal, kidney function normal, electrolyte normal, AST and ALT normal, hep be antigen was non reactive, you are a carrier."  I am assuming there is something else I was supposed to ask. Should I get the actual test results? Something in the test has to be positive in order for me to be a carrier, right?   I think I will find another doctor.

[cajim]

>>>hep be antigen was non reactive, you are a carrier.

Carrier of what?  If your HBsAg is non-reactive, you do not have HBV now unless you are very close to exposure (within two weeks) in which case the test can't pick it up yet.

[zellyf]

His e-antigen is non-reactive.

You need to know the result of your surface antigen.  If that is positive you need to do more tests.

[confuseguy]

Ask them this:

1) Is Hep B surface Antigen reactive? If surface antigen is not, then you don't have HBV. Skip the rest of the questions below because it doesn't apply to you.

2) If surface antigen is reactive, then ask them if Surface antigen antibodies is reactive. If antibodies is reactive, then it means you were expose but already clear the virus and is now immune for life. Go to 3.

3) Is IgM reactive? If IgM is reactive, then you have an acute infection. If IgM is not reactive, then you have HBV and is a carrier.

From what you wrote, you said Hep be antigen, which is another antigen from HBV, not the same as surface antigen (Hep B sAg). Knowing Hep be antigen only doesn't tell us anything unless you know your Hep B surface antigen status.

I know it's confusing but come back if you still don't understand...

[basketballjones]

I don't believe I am getting all of the information. I don't know when I was exposed, I have given blood at the docs office three times since early March.  I guess I am expecting more from the doctor. I will ask to see the tests and determine the results of the surface antigen.  Should I inquire about anything else?  

From what I have read here and other places, as a carrier I should expect to be contagious for the rest of my life because I did not develop antibodies.  I am really struggling with this because I don't know how I got it.  No marital problems. No drugs.It takes me a year to drink a 12 pack of beer.  The only body fluids I come in contact with are from playing basketball.  The occasional bloody nose, cuts and scratches and sweat here and there.  During my physical in Oct 07, I was fine!  Sorry, this is just me trying to sort out my life.  

Since I found out I was a carrier I stopped sleeping with my wife all together.  I don't have the desire right now.  She thinks I'm depressed.  I guess I am.  I'm used to overcoming obstacles.  This seems like one I will not.

Thanks for the info.  

[basketballjones]

Thx.  

[cajim]

When you were exposed to HBV is not as important as getting your wife checked to see if she is immune or needs vaccination and you checked as to what stage your HBV is.  Not all stages of HBV are contagious.  Also, if your wife is immune to HBV, it is unfair to both of you to "stopped sleeping with my wife all together."

[confuseguy]

We understand your emotions. I found out about all my Hep test results last week and I was a wreck. Even a week later, I have many questions.

I still am waiting to tell my gf. It's not that I don't want to but I have to wait for the right time when her tests are over. I can't be selfish and put her through this right now while she's studying. So I decided to go through it alone but with you guys around, I don't feel lonely anymore. Thanks!

[zellyf]

My understanding is that surface antigen positive means you are infected regardless of any antibody status.  If you clear the antigen and develop antibodies, then you are immune.

So, get a hard copy of your lab results and then post them here.  As  a carrier you are "contagious" but the people in your home can be vaccinated.  No big deal.  Are you Asian?  Many Asians are infected at birth or in early childhood.

I wish I could rush people through the early stages after diagnosis to acceptance but, you know, I just can't.  Its a journey you just have to take on your own.  Trust me, you'll come out of it and then the mundane aspects of life will take over and you'll be amazed that you just keep on living.  

Think of it like this, you're one of the lucky carriers in that you now know and can monitor and avail yourself of treatment.  Other people will not be so fortunate and they will find out too late.  Count your blessings.

[ikawako]

please help me to explain my result..

hbsag = reactive
anti body titer = non- reactive

my husband result...

hbsag = non-reactive
anti body titer = reactive

what does it mean...

[ClearedHealth]

simply put
HBsAg is antigent (virus) positive means you are infected
HBsAb is antibody positive means you have some sort immunity, you are recovered.

I guess reative  means postive?

CH

[Angiel1905]

I'm so confused with the Hep B test results. I spoke to the doctor, she said I'm a carrier, virus are inactive and my immune is fighting it but that still means I'm a carrier. ie can never get out of my body. I can still pass it on.

My results as follow
Hep B surface antigen=Reactive
Anti=HBs= 0 MIU/ML
Anti Hep B e Antibody- Reactive ( In the presence of HBsAg indicates HBV infection of relatively lower infectivity)
Hepatitis B e Antigen=Non reactive (not detected -consider testing for anti-HBe as appropriate)

Can anyone explain the results in layman terms?

Thank you

[bram44]

You need to post your question on a new thread as per forum rules.

Your results indicate you have hep-B infection and most likely you are chronic.

What you need to do now is get AST/ALT and viral load tests. That determines whether you need treatment or not. eAg negative does not mean zero-infection.

[ClearedHealth]

I agreed with Angiel1905 about rule and response.  Just quick note from me

...
Hep B surface antigen=Reactive ---> Infected
Anti=HBs= 0 MIU/ML                ----> Not yet recovered
Anti Hep B e Antibody- Reactive ( In the presence of HBsAg indicates HBV infection of relatively lower infectivity)  --->   self explain
Hepatitis B e Antigen=Non reactive (not detected -consider testing for anti-HBe as appropriate)  ---> as the same as relatively lower infectivity

[Angiel1905]

The doctor said Antigen=Enemy; Antibody=Soldiers; my situation is such that soldiers are fighting, enemy is not attacking..

conclusion is I have Hep B, do you know how much MIU/ML is required to be considered recovered?
I once did the test and doc said I wont pass on to my family and children, this contradicts with what the current doc said. I'm so confused. Trying to find my previous lab report to compare with my MIU/ML results has dipped. If it did, it just means our immunisation really weakens with age. No Joke! Gotta buck up and improve our immunisation.

Hey Clearhealth Does my results says I'm not highly infectious? To be considered chronic, Antibody gotta be Non-reactive and Antigen=Reactive?

[ClearedHealth]

Yes, surface antibody is your soldier and read somewhere that has to more 100 in what unit I don't remember IU means Internation unit = about 5 copies.  ML is milimeter.

If your HBeAg is positve then you can affect others.  Negativity is not so infected.  It is just so low that you and your surrounding should not be concern.  Your case is so infected, yes.  I dont' want to say 100%.  Just practice of caution.  No direct body fluid or blood contact, then casual interaction should be normal

[ClearedHealth]

More info 215-489-4900.  Hep B foundation is free public info.  hepb dot org