Hi. I Was Recently Tested For Hep B. They Called

Posted on Thu, 22 Aug 2019

Question: Hi. I was recently tested for Hep B. They called me and told me I need vaccination, but I'm confused by my results. What do they mean?
HEPATITIS B SURFACE AB IMMUNITY, QN<5L
HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN W/REFL CONFIRM NON-REACTIVE
HEPATITIS B CORE AB TOTAL W/REFL IGM NON-REACTIVE
Does it mean I have it, or it means that I just don't have any immunity, but I don't actually have it? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You are not having hepatitis B.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for asking query on this forum,
I have gone through your details and I appreciate your concerns my dear.
Giving a thorough explanation of every point is not possible as for that you have to understand the molecular structure of virus in detail but a simple explaination is that this virus molecule contains an protein layer on it which scientists called as Hbs antigen. Antigen means any foreign particle which enters the closed environment of our body. Now against this antigen our fighter cells produces antibodies(Just like a police men fires on a suspected thief).These antibodies are of various type IGG IGM etc.

Important thing for you is that there are two phases of this infection
1) When it's acute i.e can hurt your body.
2)Chronic- They carry this virus in a dormant state and hence they are vaccinated so that immune system keeps it dormant for long term and person can't transfer it to any other person.

You are basically negative for Hepatitis b surface antigen. In easy words you are not having hepatitis B virus.
Vaccine consists of dead and weakened cells which can't cause disease but stimulates your body defence system to form antibodies. These antibodies in future would prevent you from getting Hepatitis B.
Therefore for your own safety they want you to be vaccinated.

Hope I was easy to understand and helpful.
Feel free to follow up.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (35 minutes later)

Thank you, doctor. It is just this surface antibody test confused me. I have never done it before, just the surface antigen and the core antibody.
So, basically, I am not infected, but the surface antibody test came back negative, because I have not been vaccinated against hep b? Is that right? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Absolutely yes my dear patient.
Just get yourself vaccinated for future prophylaxis.
Hope I answered your query well.
In case you have any suggestions to make answer better do write them in review.
Do rate the answer while closing the thread.
Enjoy life you are fully healthy.
Blessings and thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (48 minutes later)

Last question.
So, <5 means negative for antibodies against hep b in my system?
This means that I have not been in contact with the virus, hence, I've not developed antibodies.
Is this right?
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Absolutely yes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again my dear,
Yes off course if a person would come in contact with any external agent his or her body would react against it by producing fighter cells medically termed as immunoglobulin.
The advice for vaccination is given just to protect you in future.
Vaccination against Hepatitis B is now even in W. H.O schedule.
Hope I answered your query in easy way.
Please do feel free to ask any query you have in your mind.
Wish you a happy life ahead.
Thank you.
Kumar R!

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T