[Question #3041] HBSAG Test

92 months ago

Hi Doc,

Quick one for you guys I hope.

I am a male and 39 years of age.

I had exposer with a female on June 21^st and had some anxiety since. Went for a STD test on September 19^th (90 days or 12 weeks 6 days) and had a bunch of test done including HBSAG – all neg.

Had my annual blood work done in October – slightly elevated ALT (53) and had an abdominal ultra sound one and they said my liver looks a bit enlarged and is consistent with fatty liver.

1, Is a HBSAG at 90 days (12 + weeks) conclusive of no infection?

2, Should I get this test done again?

Thanks in advance for your expert advise and information.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

92 months ago

Welcome back. Indeed, it's a quick reply, largely because this quesiton was answered by Dr. Hook a month ago. You mentioned HBsAg at that time and he responded that all your test results were conclusive. I gather that result was 4 weeks, not 3 months -- but that was also conclusive, or very nearly so. For sure the 3 month result is conclusive and no further testing is necessary.

I will also add, as he did, that you were at little or no risk of either hepatitis B or C from the exposure you asked about a month ago (for sure not for hepatitis C, which is almost never heterosexually transmitted, despite assumptions and claims from various sources). If you remain concerned about hepatitis B and plan to continue occasional non-monogamous sex, you can be vaccinated to eliminate all risk.

I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

---

92 months ago

Thank You Dr. HHH,

Can I possibly ask one follow up..

-So, If I get this right – there is no chance HBSAG would be delayed and we would have missed it on the 12 week test?

-Also and again if I get this right, a negative HBSAG at 12 weeks means one of 2 things,

A, I have never had Hep B.

B, I have had it in the past but have fought it off (would need a Hep B Antibody to determine).

HBSAG is a marker for current infections only and negative would mean no current infection?

Sorry, just want to understand.

Thanks again.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

92 months ago

All those statements are correct. ---

92 months ago

You are a rock star!!

Thanks so much for taking the time.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

92 months ago

You're welcome. That concludes this thread. Please no more questions on this exposure or your concerns about it! Best wishes and stay safe.

---