Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Reactive Result Interpretation
Your reactive Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) with a non-reactive core antibody indicates immunity from prior Hepatitis B vaccination, not natural infection—you are protected against Hepatitis B virus and require no further action. 1
Understanding Your Serologic Pattern
Your specific test results show:
- Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc): Non-reactive 1
- Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs): Reactive 1
This pattern definitively indicates vaccine-induced immunity rather than immunity from past natural infection. 1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that when anti-HBs is positive but anti-HBc is negative, this represents successful immunization through vaccination. 1
What "Abnormal" Means in This Context
The "abnormal" notation on your lab report is misleading—reactive anti-HBs is actually the desired, protective result. 1 Laboratory systems often flag any "reactive" result as "abnormal" simply because it deviates from a completely negative baseline, but in this case, it confirms you have protective immunity. 1
Your Current Protection Status
You are fully protected against Hepatitis B infection and cannot contract HBV. 1 The presence of anti-HBs at protective levels (≥10 mIU/mL) provides immunity against all HBV subtypes, as stated by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. 1
You are not infectious and cannot transmit HBV to others. 1 The absence of anti-HBc confirms you have never been infected with the virus. 1, 2
Do You Need Booster Vaccinations?
No routine booster doses are recommended for immunocompetent individuals like yourself who have documented seroconversion after vaccination. 1 The CDC explicitly states that even if anti-HBs levels decline over time, immunocompetent individuals typically maintain protection through immune memory. 1
Booster doses should only be considered in specific high-risk scenarios: 1
- Prior to starting immunosuppressive therapy (such as chemotherapy or anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies like rituximab) if anti-HBs levels are found to be low 1
- Before organ transplantation 1
Special Advantage of Your Serologic Pattern
Because your anti-HBc is negative, you have a significant advantage if you ever require immunosuppressive therapy in the future. 1 Patients who are anti-HBc positive (indicating past natural infection) face a 3-45% risk of HBV reactivation when receiving immunosuppressive treatments, particularly with anti-CD20 antibodies. 3, 4 Since you were never infected, you have no dormant virus that could reactivate—you simply maintain your vaccine-induced protection. 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not confuse this result pattern with past infection. 1, 2 If both anti-HBs AND anti-HBc were positive, that would indicate immunity from past natural infection rather than vaccination. 1, 2 Your negative anti-HBc definitively rules out prior infection. 1
Do not seek unnecessary repeat vaccinations. 1 Some patients mistakenly believe they need periodic boosters, but this is not evidence-based for immunocompetent individuals. 1