What specific HBV markers are included in the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Panel?
Understanding the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Panel
Different serologic markers or combinations of markers are used to identify different phases of HBV infection. They determine whether a patient has acute or chronic HBV infection, is immune to HBV as a result of prior infection or vaccination, or is susceptible to infection. Markers include:
- HBsAg: HBsAg is a protein on the surface of HBV that can be detected in high levels in serum during acute or chronic HBV infection. The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious, except when it might be transiently positive within 30 days after a dose of HepB vaccine. The body normally produces antibodies to HBsAg as part of the normal immune response to infection. HBsAg is the antigen used to make HepB vaccine.
- Anti-HBs: The presence of anti-HBs is generally interpreted as indicating recovery and immunity from HBV infection. Anti-HBs also develops in a person who has been successfully vaccinated against hepatitis B. Among vaccine responders who complete a vaccine series, anti-HBs levels can decline over time; however, the majority remain immune and will mount a response when exposed to HBV.
- Anti-HBc: Anti-HBc appears at the onset of symptoms in acute hepatitis B, is a measure of both immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG), and persists for life. The presence of total anti-HBc indicates previous or ongoing infection with HBV in an undefined time frame. People who have immunity to hepatitis B from a vaccine do not develop anti-HBc.
- IgM anti-HBc: IgM anti-HBc positivity indicates recent infection with HBV (within less than 6 months). Its presence indicates acute infection. IgM anti-HBc should be ordered only when acute HBV infection is a concern.
[1] https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/diagnosis/understanding-your-test-results/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9076922/
[3] https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/diagnosis/hbv-blood-tests/
[4] https://www.hepatitisb.uw.edu/go/screening-diagnosis/diagnosis-hbv/core-concept/all
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