Should antibodies have shown?

[Frank303]

I was innoculated in 2003 for Hepatitis B. The innoculations were a month apart , 3 of them. I was working for a local authority and there was constant risk of needle-stick injuries - I did in fact sustain 2 such injuries between 2nd and 3rd innoculums.

I recently had a test for Hepatitis B, 3 months after a possible exposure. The results were negative. Should the results not have been positive (imune)? If so does that mean I have a rubbish immune system?
I'm not sure what test was run Antibody, Antigen, surface antigen or what.

[Frank303]

Anyways I have to go for a 6 month test for HepB and HepC in a few weeks. I'll ask about immunisation for HepA and HepB then, if appropriate.

[Frank303]

Don't know the Doctor just said 'negative'. They don't like to tell patients the specifics of tests they do.
I folowed up with him and he said after 5 years the immunisation would maybe need topped up.

Zelly,
That's good to know.

[zellyf]

"Data show that vaccine-induced hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) levels might decline over time; however, immune memory (anamnestic anti-HBs response) remains intact indefinitely following immunization. People with declining antibody levels are still protected against clinical illness and chronic disease."

[cajim]

Compare you test results against the lab basics here:  http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/HepB-Introduction--Welcome-Page/show/34?cid=153

You are immune if a. or b.

a.  Immune via clearance of past infection

HBsAg - negative
HBcAb - positive
HBsAb - positive

b.  Immune via vaccination

HBsAg - negative
HBcAb - negative
HBsAb - positive