Information: After Abnormal Hepatitis B Screening Result

Further medical evaluation and testing

• See a healthcare provider: An abnormal result requires further evaluation by a doctor or specialist to understand the next steps.
• Complete the “triple panel” test: Your doctor will likely order more blood tests, such as a “triple panel,” to check for Hepatitis B surface antigen ), Hepatitis B surface antibody ), and Hepatitis B core antibody ).
• Identify acute vs. chronic infection: Additional tests like IgM and  IgG can help determine if the infection is recent (“acute”) or long-term (“chronic”).
• Monitor infectivity and viral load: Other tests that may be ordered include Hepatitis B e-antigen ), which indicates infectivity, and Hepatitis B viral DNA, which measures the amount of virus in your blood.

Treatment and monitoring

• Discuss with your doctor: Treatment depends on the type of infection and your overall health. Not everyone with hepatitis B needs immediate treatment.
• Regular check-ups: You will likely need regular check-ups, often every six months, to monitor the virus and check for any progression of liver disease.
• Medication: If treatment is necessary, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications to lower the amount of virus in your blood and reduce the risk of complications.
• Liver specialists: Your primary care doctor may refer you to a liver specialist, especially for chronic infections, for specialized monitoring and treatment.

Preventing transmission

• Inform partners: Tell all sexual partners to get tested and to use barrier methods like condoms to prevent transmission.
• Do not share personal items: Avoid sharing items that may have blood on them, such as toothbrushes, razors, or nail clippers.
• Do not donate: Do not donate blood, semen, organs, or tissue.