Skip to Main Content
Back

Hepatitis b virus test

Hepatitis B Virus Test
Jump to

What is hepatitis B testing in children?

Hepatitis B virus tests are blood tests. They check for substances in your child's blood that show whether your child has hepatitis B now or had it in the past. The tests can help tell you if your child may have the disease long-term, how severe it is, and how easily it can be spread. They also can show if your child is protected from getting the disease.

If your child has the tests soon after being infected with hepatitis B, the results may show that your child doesn't have the disease even when they have it. The substances that show a hepatitis B infection can take weeks or months to form. They may not be in your child's blood yet.

Why is hepatitis B testing done in children?

Your child may need testing if:

  • Your child has symptoms of hepatitis.
  • Your child may have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus. A newborn may be tested if the mother tested positive for the virus. Children may be tested if they or their parents come from an area where the hepatitis B virus is common.
  • Your child may have been exposed through sexual contact or drug use.
  • Your child has been in contact with an affected household.
  • Your child has had other tests that point to liver problems.
  • Your teen is pregnant.
  • You or your doctor wants to know if your child is protected from getting the disease.

The tests also are done to help your doctor decide about your child's treatment and to see how well it's working.

What do the results of hepatitis B testing mean?

Abnormal (positive)

​ ​
Hepatitis B testing

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B antibodies and/or antigens are found. More tests may be needed to see if you have an acute or chronic infection.

  • Hepatitis B surface antigen shows an active infection. If the test is positive for longer than 6 months, this means you have a chronic infection. You can spread the infection to others.
  • Hepatitis B surface antibody shows the end of active infection and means you are protected against hepatitis B for life. It also can show that you got a hepatitis B vaccination. In some cases, the test shows that you have antibodies and antigen. In this case you are still contagious.
  • Hepatitis B e-antigen shows an active infection. You can spread it to others.
  • Hepatitis B DNA means that you have a current infection.
  • Hepatitis B core antibody shows that you have been infected with hepatitis B. It does not tell the difference between a past or present infection.
  • Hepatitis B core antibody IgM shows that a hepatitis B infection has occurred within the last 6 months. It can also mean that a chronic infection has flared up.
  • Hepatitis B e-antibody shows a less active infection. You are less contagious but can still infect others.

The test may also find hepatitis D antibodies, which means you have hepatitis D. This infection occurs only in people who are already infected with hepatitis B.

©2011-2026 Healthwise, Incorporated

The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.