Lab result

What does the test result mean?
The tests for hepatitis B may be ordered individually, but are often ordered in some combination depending on the reason for testing. Results of the tests are typically evaluated together. Sometimes the meaning of one result depends on the result of another test. However, not all tests are done on all people. Ask you doctor what she expects to find out from the results of your tests. She can help you understand what the results mean.

The table below summarizes possible interpretations of some common patterns of results.
Hep B surface antigen (HBsAg) Hep B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) Hep B core antibody (Anti-HBc IgM) Hep B core antibody Total (Anti-HBc IgG+IgM) Hep B e antigen (HBeAg)*See note Hep B e antibody (Anti-HBe) Interpretation / Stage of Infection
Negative Negative    Negative       No active or prior infection; not immune — may be good candidate for vaccine; possibly in the incubation stage
Positive Negative Negative Negative Positive Negative Early acute infection
Positive Negative Positive or Negative Positive or Negative Positive Negative Acute infection, usually with symptoms; contagious
Positive Negative Positive Positive Negative* Positive Late in the acute stage of infection (seroconversion)
Negative Negative Positive Positive Negative* Positive Acute infection is resolving (convalescent)
Positive Negative Negative Positive Positive Negative Usually indicates an active chronic infection (liver damage likely)
Positive Negative Negative Positive Negative* Positive Chronic infection but low risk of liver damage — carrier state
Negative Positive Negative Positive Negative* Positive Infection resolved (recovery); immunity due to natural infection
Negative Positive    Negative       Immunity due to vaccination