Hep B Testing

[remix99]

Hi..I got tested before for Hep b and was HbsAg non reactive - Anti - Hbs reactive 183.0 miu/ml  - Anti Hbc IgG and Igm non reactive - question is...are these tests reliable??..i heard some people say there  not...I see alot of people getting PCR tests....what warrants someone to get one...and should I get one or is it no neccesarry.am over here in canada and dont think i can convince my doc to give me one..

[NashPred]

A PCR tests measures Viral DNA, so if someone has chronic HBV they get PCR tests done mainly to gauge how they are responding to treatment (is the viral DNA increasing or decreasing )or to determine if treatment is necessary at the time (is the viral DNA high enough that tx is needed at the present time).

As long as your HBsAg is negative, you do not have HBV and therefore the test would be pointless in your case. As cajim said, it would show nothing.

Also, your Anti-HBs is 183 so you are immune. It would appear that you have been vaccinated. Congratulations…you have nothing to worry about.

[remix99]

thanks...but why do people get PCR testing done??..is it only when they find acute or chronic hep b with the 3 panel test? I got tested at a STD clinic..and im a blood donor and they only test for HbsAg and Anti Hbc...

[cajim]

>>>are these tests reliable??

Yes.

>>>should I get one or is it no neccesarry.

No.  Not for you.  You don't have HBV.  The test will be a waste.  It will show nothing.

Best.