Hi. I Recently Went For An Annual Physical; All My

Posted on Wed, 18 Dec 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I recently went for an annual physical; all my blood test results came back normal and healthy. However, my doctor informed me that I was exposed to Hepatitis B in the past, but am now cleared of Hepatitis B. I was wondering if I needed to get other testing done? Like an HIV screening?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding HIV and hepatitis B

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor service.
I have gone through your query and noted your concern.

Yes, you need to also screen for HIV since both HIV and Hepatitis B are transmitted through similar routes, most commonly sexual route.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 minutes later)

Thank you for getting back to me. I am not nor have ever been sexually active. Do I still need to go for an HIV screening?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding HBV

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Yes, apart from sexual transmission, a needle stick injury could also lead to both HIV and HBV. As I said both of these have similar modes of transmission.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj