Interpretation and Management of Your Serology Panel
You are susceptible to hepatitis B and require vaccination; you have past HSV-1 infection requiring no treatment; and all other infections are negative.
Hepatitis B Status: Susceptible and Requires Vaccination
Your hepatitis B panel shows complete absence of all markers (HBsAg negative, HBsAb negative, anti-HBc negative), which unequivocally indicates you have never been infected with or vaccinated against hepatitis B. 1
Vaccination is Strongly Indicated
- You should receive the complete hepatitis B vaccine series (3 doses at 0,1, and 6 months) because you lack any protective immunity. 1, 2
- The standard adult dose is 1 mL administered intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle—never in the buttock. 1, 2
- Measure anti-HBs levels 1–2 months after the third vaccine dose to confirm protective immunity (target ≥10 IU/mL). 1
- If your anti-HBs remains <10 IU/mL after the primary series, repeat a second complete 3-dose vaccine series. 1
Why This Matters
- Hepatitis B infection can lead to chronic carriage (up to 90% in neonates, 6–10% in adults), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. 2
- The hepatitis B vaccine is recognized as the first anti-cancer vaccine because it prevents primary liver cancer. 2
- Antibody titers ≥10 mIU/mL confer protection against hepatitis B infection. 2
Hepatitis C Status: Negative
- Your hepatitis C antibody is non-reactive, indicating no current or past hepatitis C infection. 1
- No further action is needed unless you have ongoing risk factors (e.g., injection drug use, high-risk sexual behavior), in which case annual screening is recommended. 1
Syphilis Status: Negative
- Your RPR is non-reactive, indicating no current syphilis infection. 1
- Periodic screening is recommended if you have ongoing risk factors (e.g., multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men). 1
Herpes Simplex Virus Status: Past HSV-1 Infection, No HSV-2
HSV-1: Positive (Past Infection)
- Your HSV-1 IgG is positive (34.20 AI), indicating past herpes simplex virus type 1 infection with established immunity. 3, 4
- No treatment is required for asymptomatic HSV-1 seropositivity. 3
- This result reflects prior exposure (often oral herpes/cold sores) and does not indicate active disease. 3
HSV-2: Negative
- Your HSV-2 IgG is negative (0.08 AI), indicating no past or current HSV-2 infection. 3, 4
- No action is needed; HSV serologic screening among the general population is not recommended. 3
Important Context on HSV Testing
- Type-specific IgG testing (like yours) reliably distinguishes HSV-1 from HSV-2 and should be used to detect asymptomatic individuals. 3
- PCR is the gold standard for diagnosing active genital herpes in symptomatic patients, not serology. 3
- Your test results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical history; the performance of this assay has not been established for pediatric populations, neonatal screening, or immunocompromised individuals. 3
Summary of Required Actions
Immediate Actions
- Schedule hepatitis B vaccination series (0,1, and 6 months). 1, 2
- Measure anti-HBs 1–2 months after the third dose to confirm protective immunity (≥10 IU/mL). 1
No Action Required For
- Hepatitis C (negative) 1
- Syphilis (negative) 1
- HSV-1 (past infection, asymptomatic) 3
- HSV-2 (negative) 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not assume you are immune to hepatitis B simply because you have no active infection—you are completely susceptible. 1, 5
- Do not skip post-vaccination anti-HBs testing—approximately 5–15% of adults fail to respond to the primary vaccine series and require revaccination. 1
- Do not administer hepatitis B vaccine in the buttock—this route results in lower immunogenicity. 1, 2
- Do not interpret positive HSV-1 IgG as requiring treatment—this simply reflects past exposure and immunity. 3