Testing Positive for Hepatitis B

If your test results came back "HBsAg+, HBsAb-, HBcAb+," this indicates that you are currently infected with hepatitis B. You might have a new acute infection, or a long-term chronic infection.

If your doctor has run the HBcAb IgM test and it came back positive, then it is likely that you were infected with hepatitis B within the last 6 months and you have an acute infection.

Your doctor will want to retest you over the next 6 months to see if you get rid of the virus and recover. You may or may not have symptoms during this time. Most people do not, but some common symptoms can include fatigue and flu-like symptoms. For more detailed information on symptoms, click here.

If you already know that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection, click here.

Acute hepatitis B infection — a new hepatitis B infection, occurring within the past 6 months. (back to text)

Chronic hepatitis B infection — A patient who tests positive for the hepatitis B virus for more than 6 months is considered to have a chronic hepatitis B infection. (back to text)

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