I may have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus.
Take the test. The only way to know if you are infected with the virus is to take a test on the hepatitis B virus (HBV). After infection with the virus, the individual may have symptoms. However, hepatitis B is not diagnosed based on symptoms.
What is a HBV test?
In hepatitis B screening, the test commonly used is HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). This antigen is a protein on the surface of HBV that appears in the blood between 1 and 10 weeks after infection and before symptoms begin.
In individuals who recover from the infection, this antigen disappears after 4 to 6 months. Its persistence for more than 6 months suggests chronic infection.
Where can I get tested?
Take the test:
- at your health centre, through a rapid test or with a doctor's request
- in a non-governmental organisation or community-based organisation
- in a pharmacy or in a clinical pathology/clinical analysis laboratory
What does a reactive result mean?
A reactive result with a HBV surface antigen test (HBsAg) means that you may have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus. In this case, you should be referred to the hospital for further tests to confirm or not the infection.
There are other types of HBV tests, including the anti-HBV surface antibody test (anti-HBs), a protein that helps the immune system fight HBV. A reactive result means the presence of the antibody, which suggests immunity/protection against HBV. This protein exists in individuals who have recovered from infection or who have been vaccinated against HBV.
What does a non-reactive result mean?
A non-reactive HBV surface antigen test (HBsAg) result means, in principle, that you are not infected.
However, if you have had recent risk behaviour and the test was performed immediately after that risk behaviour, you may benefit from post-exposure prophylaxis.
Source: Directorate-General for Health (DGS)