Results for Hep B titer shot

[chiapet2]

Okay, so I was immunized as a child; got my hep B shots when I was younger. I got my titer test done back in 2006 and my doctor didn't say much about it. Just that I dont need to worry about it. Now I'm required to have that titer test in order to start my externship for school and I would have to be immune to do so. My results show negative for the Hep B core and positive for the Hep B virus surface. What does that mean? How do I know if I am immuned? And how long does a titer test last? Since mines was done back in 2006 do I need to get tested again? Confused. Lost. Please help!

[chiapet2]

Thank you. that helps alot!

[NashPred]

Also...Please visit the Welcome Page that may help to explain some lab results.

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/HepB-Introduction--Welcome-Page/show/34?cid=153

[NashPred]

If your Hep B Core anti-body is negative, this means you have never been infected with HBV.

I have to assume that when you say "Hep B virus surface", you mean Hep B surface anti-body (HBsAb) and NOT surface antigen (HBsAg). If your surface anti-body titer results are positive, this should mean that you are immune. Usually you want to see a titer of >10 IU/ML to confirm immunity.

Once you have confirmation of immunity, you should remain immune for life even though the titer results may drop over time.