References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Hepatitis B testing uses several blood markers to determine whether you have a current infection, past infection or immunity from vaccination. Understanding what each test shows helps you make sense of your results. Testing is quick, widely available, and often free through NHS sexual health services or antenatal care.
Here’s what to know.
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Key Hepatitis B Markers
| Marker | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| HBsAg (surface antigen) | Current infection — acute or chronic |
| Anti-HBc (core antibody) | Past or current exposure |
| Anti-HBs (surface antibody) | Immunity — from past infection or vaccine |
| HBeAg (e antigen) | High infectivity in active infection |
| HBV DNA (viral load) | How actively the virus is replicating |
What Results Mean
HBsAg positive
Current hepatitis B infection — either acute or chronic. Further testing determines which.
Anti-HBc positive, HBsAg negative
Past exposure — the infection has cleared. Anti-HBs may also be positive, showing immunity.
Anti-HBs positive only
Immunity from vaccination.
All negative
No exposure and no immunity — vaccination is recommended if at risk.
Who Should Test?
- Pregnant women (routinely offered)
- People from countries with high hepatitis B prevalence
- Men who have sex with men
- Injecting drug users
- Sexual partners of people with hepatitis B
- Healthcare workers
- People with HIV
- Anyone with unexplained liver problems
Where to Test
- NHS sexual health clinics
- Antenatal screening
- GP surgery
- Home test kits (postal)
- Drug and alcohol services
After a Positive Result
- Confirmation testing
- Referral to hepatology or sexual health
- Liver function tests
- Viral load measurement
- Assessment for treatment
- Vaccination for household and sexual contacts
Treatment
Chronic hepatitis B is treated with suppressive antivirals (tenofovir, entecavir). Acute infection often resolves on its own in adults. Effective treatment reduces liver damage and transmission risk.
Prevention
- Hepatitis B vaccination — highly effective
- Safe sex practices
- Not sharing injecting equipment
- Screening before pregnancy
- Newborn vaccination for babies of hepatitis B-positive mothers
Read more: Hepatitis B and HIV | Hepatitis B test kits | Hepatitis B and C
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hepatitis B curable?
Not usually. Most chronic infections need long-term treatment, though some people achieve functional cure.
How long after exposure can I test?
Reliable from 6 weeks to 3 months post-exposure.
Is vaccination effective?
Yes — highly effective and gives long-lasting protection.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test Explained
- Hepatitis B Test Kits: What to Know
- Hepatitis C Testing: A Complete Guide
- Can You Die From Hepatitis B?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
