Getting Tested
Even if you don't have any symptoms, but think you may be at risk for hepatitis B, it is important that you visit your doctor or clinic right away. A simple blood test can easily determine whether or not you have been infected.
To get tested, you need to specifically ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a test called the hepatitis B blood panel. The test checks for the specific markers of hepatitis B infection and is NOT part of the regular blood work done in conjunction with routine physicals — so ask for it by name. The results of this simple, three-part blood test are typically available within 7 to 10 days.
To better understand your hepatitis B test results, read a description of the hepatitis B blood markers and view a hepatitis B test result chart.
If you are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, your healthcare provider will likely perform additional tests to determine whether treatment is indicated and if there is evidence of liver damage. These include the HBeAg and HBV-DNA tests, which indicate the amount of hepatitis B virus in the blood (viral load), and the ALT test, which indicates active liver damage.