Hepatitis B Serologie

Laboratory-based hepatitis B serology panel measuring HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc to determine infection status, immunity from vaccination, and past exposure. Results differentiate between active infection, resolved infection, vaccine-induced immunity, and susceptibility requiring vaccination.

Hepatitis B remains one of the most efficiently transmitted bloodborne and sexually transmitted infections worldwide, yet its status is frequently unknown among adults who were not vaccinated in childhood or whose vaccination records are incomplete. This three-marker serology panel provides a definitive picture of the patient's relationship with the virus. HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) indicates active infection — its presence means the virus is currently replicating and the patient is potentially infectious. Anti-HBs (antibody to surface antigen) appears after successful vaccination or after natural clearance of an infection, indicating protective immunity. Anti-HBc (antibody to core antigen) is a marker of any past exposure to the virus, whether the infection was cleared or became chronic. The combination of these three markers allows the physician to categorise the patient precisely: immune through vaccination (anti-HBs positive only), immune through past infection (anti-HBs and anti-HBc positive), chronically infected (HBsAg and anti-HBc positive), or susceptible and in need of vaccination (all negative). Results are available within a few working days from the partner laboratory. The post-test consultation explains the result and advises on vaccination if the patient is found to be unprotected.