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Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. This infection can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe, lifelong condition. When someone contracts hepatitis B, they may develop either an acute infection, which is short-term, or a chronic infection that persists for months or years. Chronic hepatitis B increases the risk of developing liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis, which is permanent scarring of the liver. Many people with chronic hepatitis B may not show symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others.

Laboratory testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing hepatitis B infection and determining its stage. The most common initial test is the hepatitis B surface antigen test, which detects proteins from the virus in the blood. If this test is positive, it indicates an active infection. Additional tests include hepatitis B surface antibody, which shows immunity from vaccination or recovery from infection, and hepatitis B core antibody, which indicates past or current infection. Doctors may also order tests to measure viral load, which determines how much virus is present in the blood, and liver function tests to assess any damage to the liver.

Understanding test results is important for proper management of hepatitis B. A positive surface antigen test that persists for more than six months typically indicates chronic infection. The presence of surface antibodies without surface antigen usually means a person is immune to hepatitis B, either through vaccination or past infection that has cleared. Healthcare providers may recommend periodic testing for people with chronic hepatitis B to monitor the infection and check liver health. These follow-up tests help determine if treatment is needed and whether the virus is causing ongoing liver damage.

People at higher risk for hepatitis B infection should consider getting tested. This includes individuals born in regions where hepatitis B is common, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, individuals with multiple sexual partners, healthcare workers exposed to blood, people living with someone who has hepatitis B, and those with HIV or hepatitis C. Pregnant women are routinely tested for hepatitis B because the virus can be transmitted to babies during childbirth. Early detection through laboratory testing allows for timely intervention and can prevent serious complications.