What does a negative HBsAg test imply at 6 weeks?

I was a bit concerned about possibly having acquired hepatitis B 6 weeks ago. After researching the different tests I decided to take an antigen test (HBsAg) because I heard its the first indicator of infection, its positive if there's an acute infection, and usually stays positive if chronic infection persists.

My test came negative. Can I be assured that I was not infected?

[cajim]

6 weeks is hard to say.  Follow your HBsAg, or even better, your anti-HBs.  If the latter becomes positive then you are fine: you are immune for life.  If both stay negative for 6 months, you have not been infected and you have no immunity, so get vaccinated.  If at end of 6 months the former is positive and the latter remains negative, you have chronic HBV.

Hope this helps.

[dazed&confused8]

So a negative HBsAg at 6 weeks is too early to indicate the lack of infection? I thought I read that a person infected with hepatitis B will test positive for antigens by 4 weeks. I know antibodies usually take longer. Am I incorrect?

[cajim]

You are right, but you want to be sure, not just right in what you read.