Hepatitis B Screening

Understanding Hepatitis B Screening

Hepatitis B screening involves a diagnostic examination to assess the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens and antibodies in your system, helping determine if you have contracted the virus. Healthcare professionals typically employ a blood sample to detect the hepatitis B virus. This blood test serves to confirm whether you are dealing with acute or chronic hepatitis B and can also establish your immunity status regarding hepatitis B.

In cases where additional evaluation is required, you might be referred for an ultrasound or liver biopsy to investigate potential liver irregularities or damage resulting from hepatitis B.

Common Hepatitis B symptoms

Hepatitis B can manifest with the following symptoms:

  • Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes

  • Appetite loss

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Aching or tender joints and abdominal pain

  • Darkened urine and alterations in bowel movements

  • Fever and chills

When is Hepatitis B screening recommended?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise specific individuals to undergo hepatitis B screening, including:

  • Individuals born in countries where hepatitis B is prevalent

  • U.S.-born individuals who did not receive the hepatitis B vaccine during infancy and whose parents were born in regions with high hepatitis B rates

  • Men who engage in sexual activity with other men

  • Individuals living with HIV

  • Close contacts, both in households and sexually, of individuals with hepatitis B

  • Individuals necessitating immunosuppressive therapy

  • Those diagnosed with hepatitis C

  • Pregnant individuals

  • Individuals who engage in drug injection

  • Infants born to a parent with hepatitis B

  • Individuals who may have had intimate contact with a hepatitis B-positive individual through sexual intercourse or needle-sharing practices

Understanding the cause of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is brought about by the hepatitis B virus, which can be transmitted through various means, including:

  • Sexual contact: Hepatitis B is most commonly contracted through unprotected sexual intercourse.

  • Sharing of contaminated needles and syringes: Contact with the blood of an infected individual via a used needle can result in hepatitis B transmission. This risk can arise during procedures like tattooing, piercing, acupuncture, or through intravenous drug use.

  • Perinatal transmission: Pregnant individuals with hepatitis B can potentially transmit the virus to their offspring during childbirth.

Distinguishing Acute Hepatitis B from Chronic Hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B exists in two distinct forms:

  1. Acute Hepatitis B: This is a brief, short-term illness that emerges within the initial 6 months following hepatitis B virus contraction. Some individuals may exhibit no symptoms during this phase or only experience mild symptoms, while others may endure more severe illness necessitating hospitalization.

  2. Chronic Hepatitis B: In contrast, chronic hepatitis B denotes a long-lasting infection persisting beyond 6 months, potentially leading to severe health complications, such as liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Distinguishing Acute Hepatitis B from Chronic Hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B can be detected through a comprehensive 3-panel blood test that examines antigens and antibodies. This test has the capacity to identify hepatitis B as early as one week following exposure, potentially extending up to six months post-exposure. The timing of detection hinges on the date of virus exposure and the specific type and severity of hepatitis B contracted.

Subsequent testing and potential treatment options may be necessary, depending on your test results and overall immune status.