Hepatitis B Screening - Digestive & Liver Surgery

Screening of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B viral infection (HBV) screening is performed for different reasons, including the identification of antibodies produced in response to HBV infections. It can also be used to identify antigens resulting from the presence of the virus or to detect the presence of viral DNA.

The main purposes of hepatitis B screening are:

To check whether the patient’s symptoms are a result of an HBV infection. The doctor may need to perform a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody IgM screening as part of the diagnosis. This can be performed with tests for hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis C (HCV), to determine which virus is responsible for the infection.
To observe and monitor the progress of chronic hepatitis B infection, and any treatment being administered.
To monitor for recurrence of the virus in patients with prior exposure.

While acute hepatitis B typically lasts less than 6 months, chronic hepatitis B can persist for a lifetime, making early detection crucial for preventing long-term health issues.

Other reasons for screening include:

Testing at-risk populations for chronic occurrence of the infection.

Screening of blood donors to avoid cross-contamination. This screening will determine whether the patient is a Hepatitis B carrier, meaning they may carry the virus but not be suffering from the disease.

It also detects previous infections and any subsequent development of immunity.

What Happens During Hepatitis B Screenings?

Doctors will generally carry out just one set of tests as an initial determinant for HBV infection to identify the cause of observed symptoms. Another specialised test may be conducted after the diagnosis to monitor the progression of the disease, or to determine if the person is a carrier of the virus.

Below is a summary of the sets of tests usually used for initial screening of HBV infection.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): Detects the type of protein existing on the viral surface. This test is an initial indicator of viral presence and may be positive in patients before symptoms appear.

Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs): Detects antibodies that are produced in response to the presence of HBV antigens. It examines previous exposure and whether a person is immune or they need vaccination

Total anti-hepatitis B core (anti-HBc, IgM and IgG): Detects and diagnoses acute and chronic HBV infections.

Anti-hepatitis B core (anti-HBc), IgM: Identifies acute infections and can also be used for chronic infections.

Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAG): Detects the protein that has been produced as a reaction to the virus, then released into the blood. It determines the patient’s ability to spread the virus to other people

Anti-hepatitis B e antibody (Anti-HBe): Detects antibodies that are produced by the body as a response to the presence of hepatitis B. The test is used to monitor patients who have recovered from acute hepatitis B infections.

Hepatitis B viral DNA: Detects the presence of hepatitis B viral DNA in the blood. A positive result means the virus is active and some patients will require treatment. It can also be used to monitor the progression of treatment in patients with chronic HBV infections

Hepatitis B virus resistance mutations: Identifies mutations that may cause the virus to be immune to treatment. It helps doctors identify proper treatment for such patients.

Though the screenings listed above are specific to HBV, other liver tests like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) may be conducted to observe and study the progression of the disease further. Doctors may even perform a liver biopsy to determine the extent of liver damage.

Screening of Hepatitis B

The main purposes of hepatitis B screening are:

Other reasons for screening include:

Who Needs a Hepatitis B Screening?

What Happens During Hepatitis B Screenings?