Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No fasting is required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
- Turnaround: 2-3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What's Included
Hepatitis B Antibody Tests
- Hep B Core Ab, Tot: Measures total antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen, which usually persists for life after infection.
- Hepatitis B Surf Ab Quant: Measures the amount of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) in your blood.
- Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Qual: Shows whether hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) is present, from past exposure or vaccination.
Hepatitis B Antigen Test
Benefits
- Screens for hepatitis B using both antibodies and antigens in one panel.
- Helps you learn whether hepatitis B surface antibodies are present.
- Includes both quantitative and qualitative surface antibody testing.
- Checks for total core antibody, which can point to past infection.
- No fasting is required for your blood draw.
- Provides results online in 2-3 business days.
Who Is This Test For?
- You want to check your immunity to hepatitis B.
- You want to confirm results after completing hepatitis B vaccination.
- You want to learn whether you have been exposed to hepatitis B.
- You need to know if vaccination may be worth discussing with your provider.
- You want a hepatitis B screening as part of your routine health check.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this panel test for, and who is it for?
This panel screens for hepatitis B by checking for both antibodies and antigens in your blood. The core antibody test looks for a past or current infection, the surface antibody tests show immunity from exposure or vaccination, and the surface antigen test looks for the virus's protein. It may be a good fit if you want to know whether you are immune to hepatitis B, need to confirm your vaccination response, want to screen for past exposure, or are unsure of your hepatitis B status or whether you may need vaccination. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if it fits your situation.
2. Why does early detection matter?
Hepatitis B can be present before symptoms appear, and the surface antigen is an early indicator of infection. Testing gives you earlier awareness of your status and information to share with your healthcare provider. This can support informed conversations about follow-up or vaccination, though it does not replace medical evaluation.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No fasting is required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection. Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are available in 2-3 business days. This may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
5. How do I interpret the results?
Patterns across the antibody and antigen results are often more meaningful than any single value. For example, surface antibodies can reflect past exposure or vaccination, while the antigen result can point to the presence of the virus. This panel cannot distinguish between a past or current infection on its own, so a positive result may not mean immunity, and the panel alone does not diagnose a condition.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Try not to worry, as an abnormal result does not confirm a diagnosis on its own. Share your results with your healthcare provider, who can review them alongside your history and other lab findings and discuss appropriate next steps.
7. How often should I get tested?
How often you test depends on your individual circumstances. Your healthcare provider can advise whether repeat testing makes sense for you, such as after vaccination or if you have new questions about your hepatitis B status. Test as directed by your healthcare provider.
Pre-test preparation
- No fasting is required.
- Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
- Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
