Screening · Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B Screening
Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver. It’s vaccine-preventable, and when chronic infection is present, screening lets us monitor and treat it before it causes harm.
In 2023 the CDC began recommending that every adult be screened at least once. It’s a simple blood test.
The Basics
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a virus that infects the liver. Most adults who catch it clear it on their own, but some develop a chronic infection that can quietly lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer over time. A vaccine prevents it, and screening finds chronic infection so it can be watched and treated.
Why screen everyone?
Universal screening avoids missing infections and removes any need to disclose potentially stigmatizing risk factors. It also identifies people who would benefit from the vaccine.
Who & When
Guidance shifted toward screening everyone:
- CDC (2023): all adults 18 and older should be screened at least once with a three-part panel.
- USPSTF (2020): screen adolescents and adults at increased risk (Grade B).
- In pregnancy: screening is recommended for everyone.
- Not immune? The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended, so screening and vaccination go together.
The bottom line: a one-time triple-panel test for every adult, plus the vaccine if you’re not already protected.
The Triple Panel
Screening uses three blood markers together, which tell us three different things:
- HBsAg (surface antigen) — a current infection.
- anti-HBs (surface antibody) — immunity, from the vaccine or a past cleared infection.
- total anti-HBc (core antibody) — past or present exposure to the virus.
Read together, they show whether you’re infected, immune, or susceptible and would benefit from the vaccine.
Your Results
- Susceptible (all negative) — not infected and not immune; the vaccine is recommended.
- Immune — protected, from the vaccine or a resolved past infection.
- Chronic infection (surface antigen positive) — we monitor your liver and discuss treatment when appropriate.
The Vaccine
A safe, effective vaccine prevents hepatitis B. It’s recommended for all adults through age 59, and for those 60 and older with risk factors. If your screening shows you’re not immune, we’ll offer the series. See our immunizations page.
Higher Risk
Some people carry a higher risk, including those born in regions where hepatitis B is common, household or sexual contacts of someone infected, people who inject drugs, those living with HIV, and people on dialysis. Screening is for everyone, but these groups especially benefit.
Signs to Watch
Chronic hepatitis B usually causes no symptoms. An acute infection can bring fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Because chronic infection is silent, testing is the only reliable way to know.
Useful Links
Talk it through with Dr. Mui
Want to check your status or catch up on the vaccine? Book a visit and we’ll sort out screening and protection together.
Prefer to ask first? Text Dr. Mui at 617-675-4085.
This page is for general education and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Screening guidelines change over time and the right plan depends on your personal risk. Always talk with a qualified health provider about your specific situation.