HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Hepatitis B Virus Tests
Why It Is Done
Hepatitis B virus testing is done to:
- Identify the type of hepatitis B virus infection. Testing can determine whether an infection has occurred recently or in the past. Other tests that show how well the liver is functioning are usually done to help make treatment decisions.
- Screen people who have a higher risk of getting or spreading a hepatitis B infection, such as doctors, dentists, and nurses.
- Screen blood donors and donor organs to prevent the spread of hepatitis B.
- Find out if a person has developed antibodies after receiving vaccinations for hepatitis B. The presence of antibodies to hepatitis B virus (HBsAb) means that the vaccinations were effective.
- Find out if abnormal liver function tests are being caused by hepatitis B.
- Monitor how well treatment of chronic hepatitis B is working.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 29, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
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