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What does this test do?
This blood test helps identify a type of viral hepatitis by screening blood for hepatitis B surface antigen, which appears in the blood of people with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Pregnant women may have HBV in their blood without knowing it and can pass it on to their babies at birth. It is best to find out if you are infected early in your pregnancy so that, if needed, your doctor can begin treating your infant immediately upon birth.
Why would I need this test?
The hepatitis B virus is spread from person to person by direct contact with infected blood or body fluids. Even small amounts of infected blood can cause infection. The infection can be spread through unprotected sexual intercourse and unsterilized needles. You are at an increased risk for hepatitis B if you live in the same household with someone who has lifelong HBV infection, or if you have a job that exposes you to human blood. Many people infected with the hepatitis B virus are unaware that they have it.
What happens during the test?
A nurse or medical technician inserts a needle into a vein, usually in your forearm. A blood sample is collected in a tube for lab analysis.
What are normal results?
No hepatitis B surface antigen is present.
What do abnormal results mean?
The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen confirms infection with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B surface antigen also may show up in about 5 percent of people with other diseases, such as hemophilia, Hodgkin's disease and leukemia. Blood samples that are positive should be retested because inaccurate results do occur.
How do I protect my baby if my hepatitis B blood test is positive?
If the test is positive, the doctor or nurse will tell you how to take care of yourself and how to prevent infecting your baby and others. Your baby will then get the first shot of the hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours after birth, along with another shot, hepatitis B immune globulin. The next two shots of hepatitis B vaccine will be given along with other baby shots. All other members of your household should get tested for hepatitis B. If other household members test negative, they should have a hepatitis B vaccine.
Can I get vaccinated against hepatitis B if I am pregnant?
There is no risk known to the developing fetus when the hepatitis B vaccine is administered to a pregnant woman. The vaccine contains synthesized noninfectious HBsAg particles and should not harm the fetus. Since HBV infection may result in severe disease for the mother and chronic infection for the newborn, neither pregnancy nor lactation should prevent vaccination.
Will my baby need the hepatitis B vaccine even if my blood test is negative?
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants to protect them from becoming infected with HBV. If your blood test is negative, your baby still receives the hepatitis B vaccine series with other baby shots, but will not need a shot of hepatitis B globulin. The baby may get the first shot either before leaving the hospital or with the first baby shots at the doctor's office or clinic. Many public schools now require hepatitis immunization prior to registering your child for school.
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