Why do they always test for HbsAg?

[creativekut]

I have been worried about contracting HBV. I was exposed to a needle stick injury sometime ago and since then I have tested several times for all the major infections including Hepatitis B. My last test was done at 9 weeks mark post to the possible exposure. It has come back negative thankfully. However, I am still worried as I have read many conflicting opinions regarding the window period.

I am confused about the HBV test and I hope that someone on this forum can help. Every time I want to test for HBV, my doctor orders for the following test "Hepatitis B Surface Antigen---HbsAg (ECLIA)". There are other tests available such as "Hepatitis B Profile" etc but he doesn't suggest them (by the way I pay for the tests myself). I would like to know how reliable is the negative HbsAg test that I have done so far. Also, please tell me that if I do the "HBV DNA" test can it give me a conclusive result?

Thanks  

[Sharp7]

HBsAg is the first test done to see if one has Hep B. This is reliable. Profiling is done find other things about the disease, and would be pointless in your case. Get yourself tested for HBsAb -- antibodies for HBV. If you test positive for this, you are immune for life. If not, get yourself vaccinated.

Your results so far are conclusive.

[creativekut]

Sharp7, thanks for the link. It confirms what you said. CDC is indeed a reputable source of information. I wonder why some people are still stuck with the 6 months window period.

Thanks

[Sharp7]

One hint: do not take my word for it. I have only read documents, not reconfirmed this for myself.

go to http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HBV/HBVfaq.htm and search for the question, "How long does it take for blood to test HBsAg-positive after exposure to HBV?"

[creativekut]

Thank you so much Sharp7! I am extremely glad to hear that. I was suspecting whether my 9 weeks test was conclusive or not. Many people on this forum and elsewhere on the internet suggested that only a 6 months negative test would be considered conclusive. I really hope that you are confident about what you are saying.

Thanks again!

[Sharp7]

you don't need to test for HBV anymore. I meant that what you have done so far is enough. Do test for HBsAb, to see if you need vaccination.

[creativekut]

Thank you very much sharp7. Sorry, just to understand your response better, do you mean I don't need to test for HBV any more, or you are implying that my tests "so far" are reliable?

thanks