This description aims to provide patients with some useful information on the tests which may be included as part of their health screening. The tests are explained briefly. Because reference ranges are typically defined as the range of values of the median 95% of the healthy population, it is unlikely that a given specimen, even from a healthy individual, will show “normal” values for all tests. All results should be correlated with patient’s history and clinical findings. Therefore, your physician is the best person to interpret your laboratory results. Always consult your physician.
The presence of HBsAg is indicative of acute or chronic hepatitis B infection. Approximately 5% to 10% of adults with acute hepatitis B infection develop a chronic HBsAg carrier state.
Reported as non-reactive or reactive. All reactive cases are measured. The antibody level being reported in the range 0 to > 1000mIU/L indicates convalescence or recovery from acute hepatitis B. After vaccination, a level of greater than 12.5 mIU/L is considered to offer a significant level of immunity.
This test detects both IgM and IgG antibodies. The presence of anti-HAV is indicative of past or present infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) or vaccination against HAV. This test becomes reactive during the acute phase (1gM) of the infection and then usually remains positive for years after the infection (IgG).