Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Quantitative (006530)

Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) level can be measured to determine if vaccination is needed. Following a vaccination regimen, anti-HBs can be measured to determine if protective immunity has been achieved. Presence of anti-HBs is not an absolute indicator of resolved hepatitis infection nor of protection from future infection. Since there are different serologic subtypes of hepatitis B virus, it is possible (and has been reported) for a patient to have antibody to one surface antigen type and to be acutely infected with a virus of a different subtype. Thus, a patient may have coexisting HBsAg and anti-HBs. Transfused individuals or hemophiliacs receiving plasma components may give false-positive tests for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen.

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