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Hepatitis B Virus Tests

Test Overview

Hepatitis B tests are blood tests that show whether you have an active hepatitis B infection. The tests can also show if you had the infection in the past.

The tests look for different signs of infection:

  • Antigens, which are made by bacteria or viruses.
  • Antibodies, which are made by the body to fight infection.
  • Hepatitis B DNA, which is the virus's genetic material.

Hepatitis antibodies can take weeks or months to develop. So an infected person may test negative early in the infection.

Related Information

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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