Question 1

What is Lack of Immunity to Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

Lack of immunity to Hepatitis B means your body has no protective antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), leaving you vulnerable to infection. This occurs when you have never been vaccinated against Hepatitis B and have never been infected with the virus. The Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Test is the most important test for determining your immunity status and whether you need vaccination.

Question 2

What causes lack of immunity to Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

Lack of immunity to Hepatitis B is caused by never receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine and never having been infected with the Hepatitis B virus. When you have no exposure to the virus through vaccination or natural infection, your body does not produce Hepatitis B surface antibodies, which are the protective proteins that defend against the virus. This leaves you completely vulnerable to infection if exposed to the Hepatitis B virus through blood, sexual contact, or other transmission routes.

Question 3

What is the best test for determining Hepatitis B immunity?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Test is the most important test for determining your immunity to Hepatitis B because it directly measures the protective antibodies in your blood. This test specifically detects anti-HBs antibodies, which indicate whether you have immunity from previous vaccination or natural infection. If the test shows no detectable antibodies, you lack immunity and are susceptible to Hepatitis B infection. A negative result means you should discuss vaccination with your healthcare provider to develop protective immunity against this potentially serious liver infection.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Hepatitis B immunity?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you work in healthcare or any setting with potential blood exposure, if you're planning to travel to regions with high Hepatitis B rates, if you're starting a job that requires proof of immunity, or if you're unsure whether you completed your Hepatitis B vaccine series. Testing is also recommended before starting certain medical treatments that suppress your immune system, if you're pregnant or planning pregnancy, or if you have a sexual partner or household member with Hepatitis B. Getting tested helps you know if you need vaccination to protect yourself.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of lack of immunity to Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

Lack of immunity to Hepatitis B itself causes no symptoms because it's simply the absence of protective antibodies, not a disease. You feel completely normal and healthy when you lack immunity. However, if you're exposed to the Hepatitis B virus without immunity, you can develop an infection that may cause symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, and joint pain. The only way to know if you lack immunity is through blood testing, which is why testing is important for people at risk of exposure.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Hepatitis B infection without immunity?

Accepted Answer

Healthcare workers and first responders who may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids are at highest risk without immunity. People who live with someone infected with Hepatitis B, individuals with multiple sexual partners or those whose partners have Hepatitis B, and people who inject drugs face increased risk. Infants born to mothers with Hepatitis B, people receiving dialysis, travelers to countries where Hepatitis B is common (including parts of Asia, Africa, and South America), and people with HIV or chronic liver disease are also at higher risk. Anyone in these groups should verify their immunity status through testing.

Question 7

What happens if I get infected with Hepatitis B without immunity?

Accepted Answer

If you get infected with Hepatitis B without immunity, you can develop acute hepatitis that may resolve on its own or progress to chronic infection. About 90% of infected infants and 5-10% of infected adults develop chronic Hepatitis B, which can lead to serious complications over time. Chronic infection increases your risk of cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, and liver cancer, which can be life-threatening. You can also transmit the virus to others through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to baby during childbirth. Prevention through vaccination is far better than treating the infection after it occurs.

Question 8

Can lack of immunity to Hepatitis B be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, lack of immunity to Hepatitis B is definitively diagnosed through a simple blood test called the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Test. This test measures anti-HBs antibodies in your blood, and a negative or low result confirms you lack protective immunity. The test requires only a small blood sample and provides clear results showing whether you have immunity from vaccination or past infection, or whether you remain susceptible to the virus. No other type of test can determine your immunity status, making this blood test the only reliable method to know if you need vaccination.

Question 9

How is lack of immunity to Hepatitis B treated?

Accepted Answer

Lack of immunity to Hepatitis B is treated through vaccination with the Hepatitis B vaccine series. The standard vaccine schedule involves three shots given over six months: an initial dose, a second dose one month later, and a third dose six months after the first. Some accelerated schedules are available for people needing faster protection. After completing the vaccine series, over 90% of healthy adults develop protective immunity. Your healthcare provider may recommend retesting 1-2 months after the final vaccine dose to confirm you developed adequate antibodies. If you don't respond to the initial series, you may receive additional doses.

Question 10

How can I prevent Hepatitis B infection if I lack immunity?

Accepted Answer

The most effective prevention is getting vaccinated with the complete Hepatitis B vaccine series as soon as possible. Until you complete vaccination and develop immunity, avoid sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or other items that might have blood on them. Practice safe sex by using condoms, especially with partners whose Hepatitis B status is unknown. If you work in healthcare, always follow safety protocols including wearing gloves and proper handling of sharps. If you're exposed to Hepatitis B before completing your vaccine series, contact your doctor immediately as post-exposure prophylaxis with vaccine and immunoglobulin can prevent infection if given within 24 hours.

Question 11

What can I do at home while waiting for Hepatitis B vaccination?

Accepted Answer

While waiting to get vaccinated or for your immunity to develop after vaccination, focus on avoiding potential exposure to the virus. Keep any cuts or wounds covered with waterproof bandages, avoid sharing personal care items like razors or nail clippers, and be cautious about body piercing or tattoos unless facilities use proper sterilization. If you live with someone who has Hepatitis B, ensure they're receiving proper medical care and keep their personal items separate. Maintain general health through good nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management to support your immune system's response when you do receive the vaccine. Remember that vaccination is the only way to develop immunity, so schedule your vaccine series promptly.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Hepatitis B Immunity Blood Test

What is Lack of Immunity to Hepatitis B?

What causes lack of immunity to Hepatitis B?

What is the best test for determining Hepatitis B immunity?

When should I get tested for Hepatitis B immunity?

References

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