From the Guidelines
A hepatitis B titer test, specifically the Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) test, is recommended to determine immunity to hepatitis B virus, with a level of ≥ 10 mIU/mL indicating adequate immunity 1. This blood test measures the level of antibodies produced in response to the hepatitis B surface antigen, indicating whether a person has developed immunity through vaccination or previous infection. The test is ordered as "Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Quantitative" and results are typically reported in mIU/mL (milli-international units per milliliter). Some key points to consider when interpreting the results of a hepatitis B titer test include:
- A level greater than or equal to 10 mIU/mL indicates adequate immunity, while levels below this threshold suggest insufficient protection 1.
- The test is particularly important for healthcare workers, people born in regions with high hepatitis B prevalence, individuals with chronic liver disease, HIV-positive patients, and those on immunosuppressive therapy.
- No special preparation is needed before the test, which involves a simple blood draw.
- If results show inadequate immunity, revaccination may be recommended. The titer test works by detecting antibodies that bind to and neutralize the hepatitis B virus, preventing infection of liver cells and subsequent liver damage. It's also important to note that the presence of anti-HBs is generally indicative of immunity to HBV infection, and anti-HBs also can be detected for 4–6 months following HBIG administration 1. Additionally, persons who recover from natural HBV infection are typically positive for both anti-HBs and anti-HBc, whereas persons who respond to HepB vaccine are positive only for anti-HBs 1.
From the Research
Hepatitis B Titer Lab
- A hepatitis B titer lab is used to measure the levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core IgM antibody (anti-HBcIgM) in the blood, which are serological markers for the diagnosis of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection 2.
- The detection of HBsAg and anti-HBcIgM is crucial for the diagnosis of acute HBV infection, and the results of these tests can be influenced by various factors, such as the timing of sample collection and the presence of interfering substances in the blood 2.
- The antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) is also an important marker for the diagnosis and clearance of HBV infection, and it is considered a protective immune marker against HBV infection 3.
- The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) plays a critical role in the viral lifecycle, and its detection is essential for the diagnosis of HBV infection 4.
- There is no direct relevance of the study on adenine uptake and efflux in Neurospora crassa to the hepatitis B titer lab 5.
Serological Markers
- HBsAg: a surface antigen that is present on the surface of the hepatitis B virus and is used as a marker for the diagnosis of acute HBV infection 2, 4.
- Anti-HBcIgM: an antibody that is produced in response to the hepatitis B core antigen and is used as a marker for the diagnosis of acute HBV infection 2.
- Anti-HBs: an antibody that is produced in response to the hepatitis B surface antigen and is used as a marker for the diagnosis and clearance of HBV infection 3.