Hepatitis B test results

[Saedi]

I was recently tested for Hepatitis B and received the following results:

HBsAg - negative
Anti-Hbe - positive

Should I be concerned since I have no symptoms and have never been ill.  What precautions should I take?

Thanks,
Saedi

[amommy]

It really does make you wonder though, doesn't it?  Seems rather arbitrary though I'm sure it isn't.

[friole]

That is the most logical explanation I have ever seen. LOL

[genedog]

i mean why not 26 and 52 weeks  how did they come up with 24 and 48? anyone know

[mmazzz]

i think it depends on the severity of the illness.

[amommy]

because docs take at least 4 weeks vacation every year so their year is based on 48 :)

[genedog]

why is tx 24 or 48 weeks

[mmazzz]

This tests for the presence of virus. A "positive" or "reactive" HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with the hepatitis B virus, which can be an "acute" or a "chronic" infection. Infected people can pass the virus on to others through their blood and infected bodily fluids.

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What is the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb or
anti-HBs)?

A "positive" or "reactive" HBsAb (or anti-HBs) test result indicates that a person has successfully responded to the hepatitis B vaccine or has recovered from an acute hepatitis B infection.  This result means that you are immune to future hepatitis B infection and you are not contagious. This test is not routinely included in blood bank screenings.

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What is the hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)?

The HBcAb is an antibody that is part of the virus- it does not provide protection. A "positive" or "reactive" HBcAb (or anti-HBc) test result indicates a past or present infection, but it could also be a false positive. The interpretation of this test result depends on the results of the other two tests. Its appearance with the protective surface antibody (positive HBsAb or anti-HBs) indicates prior infection and recovery. For chronically infected persons, it will usually appear with the virus (positive HBsAg).