Testing for hepatitis B

We use blood tests to check for hepatitis B.
Tests for hepatitis B are not part of normal blood tests - you have to ask.
If you test negative for hepatitis B, you should think about getting vaccinated.

You may feel healthy if you have hepatitis B, but it can still harm your liver. Over time this can cause cirrhosis (severe scarring) of your liver, liver disease or liver cancer.

The only way to know if you have hepatitis B is by having a blood test.

Tests to check for hepatitis B.

You need to ask your doctor to do a hepatitis B test. It is not part of normal blood tests done by your doctor. You need to ask for a special set of tests. You can show your doctor this resource on hepatitis B tests and how to make sense of the results: https://www.ashm.org.au/resources/HBV-Resources-list/decision-making-in-hbv/

To understand the tests described below, it might help to know these medical terms:

Diagram says your immune system is the parts of your body that fight infections. Antigen is a foreign substance that can make the body’s immune system active. The hepatitis B virus is an antigen. Antibody is a protein the immune system makes to fight the antigen.

Diagram says: The immune system is sleeping. The antigen wakes up the immune system. The immune system makes an antibody to fight the antigen.

This table lists the types of blood tests your doctor will do to test for hepatitis B. It also shows you what it means if the result is positive.

Test	What this shows	Meaning if positive
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)	This shows if you have hepatitis B right now.	You have hepatitis B now. If you have this for over 6 months, it is chronic.
Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb or anti-HBc)	This shows if you have ever had hepatitis B	You have been exposed to hepatitis B, meaning you have it now or had it in the past.
Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb or anti-HBs)	This shows whether you are immune to hepatitis B	You cannot get hepatitis B again.

If you test negative to all these tests, you should ask your doctor about getting vaccinated.

If you have ever had hepatitis B, your family and the people you live with should also get tested for hepatitis B.

If you have hepatitis B now, you need to talk to your doctor. You'll also need to have check-ups every 6 to 12 months so you can get treatment if it starts to damage your liver.

Do you think you might have got hepatitis B recently? If so, there are tests that can work out if it is a short-term or long-term infection.

References

B Positive: Hepatitis B for Primary Care, ASHM

Hepatitis B Testing, Hepatitis NSW

Updated: 1 May 2023

Latest

New Research: “The most culturally safe training I’ve ever had”: the co-design of a culturally safe Managing hepatitis B training course with and for the Aboriginal health workforce of the Northern Territory of Australia

This research paper describes the factors which led to the successful co-design, delivery, and evaluation of the “Managing hepatitis B” course for the Aboriginal health workforce.
Constitutional reform is important to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities

In this newsletter, we highlight the positive health outcomes that can be achieved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are listened to. Authorised by C Fowlie, Hepatitis Australia, 4/6b Thesiger Ct, Deakin ACT 2600.
International Hepatitis B Community Forum

Hepatitis Australia is proud to be an endorser of the Hepatitis B Community Forum, occurring as part of HBV International Meeting on 19 September 2023
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people advising on matters that affect them is core business of viral hepatitis elimination.

A Voice to Parliament is about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people advising on matters that affect them. Authorised by C Fowlie, Hepatitis Australia, 4/6b Thesiger Ct, Deakin ACT 2600.

Who can give me care for hepatitis B?

This resource will tell you about the different types of doctors that can treat hepatitis B.
Spitting is gross, but it doesn’t spread hepatitis B or C

Dr Alice Lam explains how incorrect reporting on the transmission of hepatitis B and hepatitis C can increase stigma and discrimination, and worsen health outcomes.
Hepatitis B Guide

Testing, treatment and staying healthy. This guide is to help you understand the process from being tested for hepatitis B (often called hep B) to living well with chronic (life-long) hep B.
What is hepatitis B?

Basic information about hepatitis B transmission and how it affects people.
Hepatitis B vaccination

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine.
Hepatitis B symptoms

Information about the symptoms of acute and chronic hepatitis B.
Monitoring hepatitis B

If you have hepatitis B, it is important to visit your doctor regularly for liver check-ups.
Hepatitis B liver monitoring video

Regular liver checks are important for everyone living with hepatitis B This video is available in English, Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Khmer and Vietnamese.
Your Rights and-Responsibilities

In Australia, people living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C have rights that protect them from being discriminated against. People living with hepatitis B or C also have responsibilities to protect public health.
Hepatitis B medicine

Medicines for hepatitis B help you live well with the virus. Talk to your doctor about whether starting treatment is right for you.

Eliminating Asia's Silent Emergency: White Paper Launch Webinar

Evidence-based recommendations to reduce the clinical, economic, societal and humanistic burden of Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma and improve public health in Asia Pacific. Read more