What tests will you have to do?

You can be tested for hepatitis B at your VA medical center. This test is done by taking a sample of your blood.

Your doctor may ask you to do the following tests:

• Hepatitis B surface antibody(Anti-HBs)
  If this test is positive, it means that
  • you have antibodies against hepatitis B and are safe from getting the disease
  • you were either vaccinated against hepatitis B or exposed to it at some point in your lifetime
• Hepatitis B core antibody (Anti-HBc)
  If the test is positive, it means that
  • you have been exposed to hepatitis B and have developed an antibody to only part of the virus
  • they will do more tests to find out if you have the disease
• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
  If this test is positive, it means that
  • you do have hepatitis B
  • you can spread the virus to others
    
    
• Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)
  If this test is positive, it means that
  • you may have very active hepatitis B and should be followed closely by your doctor and possibly take hepatitis B medications
  • you may be very contagious to others