What is Anti-HBs?
Hepatitis B surface antibody (Anti-HBs) are the antibodies produced in response to the hepatitis B virus or after vaccination. This antibody is a vital marker of the immunity against the hepatitis B virus and its presence indicates that the person has recovered from a past hepatitis B infection or the immunization through the vaccine was successful.
Monitoring hepatitis B surface antibody gives crucial insights into the immune function against the harmful hepatitis B virus that is responsible for chronic diseases of the liver including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
How is the Test Performed?
Anti-HBs test is a simple and minimally invasive test.
Preparation
- Fasting is generally not required for this test.
- Inform your healthcare provider about any recent vaccination, treatment, or medication you are taking.
- No preparation is required for the Anti-Hbs test.
Collection Process
- A certified phlebotomist draws blood from the vein using a needle.
- The procedure does not cause any pain but some people may experience stinging pain or a bruise afterwards.
- Pressure is applied to the site from where the blood was drawn to stop any bleeding.
- The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Laboratory Analysis
- At the lab, the sample is analyzed for anti-HBs using advanced immunoassay techniques, the results indicate whether a person has a protected immunity or requires a vaccine.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
Anti-HBs are suggested by the healthcare provider in the following circumstances as early detection and intervention are the key to managing and controlling the disease;
Post-Vaccination; For the confirmation of the immunity after the completion of hepatitis B vaccination.
After Hepatitis B virus exposure; healthcare workers or someone in close contact with hepatitis B infected person.
To monitor the recovery of a Hepatitis B virus-infected person; to confirm whether an individual has developed an immunity against hepatitis B virus.
Academic or pre-employment requirement; Some organizations require an anti-hab test, particularly in hospitals and laboratories.
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The normal reference range for this test is given below and it is measured in milli-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL):
Protected against Hepatitis B virus/ Positive – More than 12 mIU/mL
May require a booster dose/ Borderline – 10-12 mIU/mL.
No protective immunity/ Negative – Less the 10 mIU/mL
Post-menopausal women – 50-300 mg/24 hrs
**The results and the interpretation may vary between laboratories according to the methodology used. Always consult your healthcare provider for accurate result interpretation.**
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
Low levels of anti-HBs indicates
- If the test results show absent or low levels of anti-hepatitis b surface levels it suggests that the individual is not protected against the hepatitis B virus.
The healthcare provider may recommend the following;
- A booster dose of hepatitis B vaccine
- Further testing and evaluation are required if you were recently exposed to the hepatitis B virus.
High levels of anti-HBs indicate
- The person has a protected immunity against hepatitis B virus.
- No further evaluation or testing is required.
- Regular monitoring of anti-HBs is crucial in high-risk individuals including healthcare workers.
