Private hepatitis B testing in London

There are several different hepatitis B antigens and antibodies. Each marker answers a different clinical question.

The standard screening test checks for hepatitis B surface antigen, or HBsAg.

Hepatitis B surface antigen is part of the hepatitis B virus. If it is detected, this may indicate that the virus is currently present. Further tests are usually required to confirm the result and understand the infection.

These may include tests for:

• hepatitis B core antibodies
• hepatitis B surface antibodies
• hepatitis B e-antigen or e-antibodies
• hepatitis B DNA
• liver function and clotting
• other blood-borne infections

No. A hepatitis B surface-antigen screen checks for possible current infection. It does not confirm whether you are immune following vaccination or a previous infection.

Immunity is usually assessed using hepatitis B surface antibodies.

Arrange a private GP appointment if you need evidence of immunity for work, medical training or another purpose. The GP can request the correct markers for your circumstances.

Yes. DocTap’s rapid hepatitis blood test also checks for hepatitis C antibodies.

Read about private hepatitis C testing, including what a reactive hepatitis C antibody result means.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is transmitted through infected blood and certain body fluids.

For most adults, the infection is short term and clears naturally. This is called acute hepatitis B.

If the infection remains for longer than six months, it is described as chronic hepatitis B. Chronic infection can cause continuing inflammation and may require long-term specialist monitoring.

Most people with hepatitis B have no symptoms or experience only mild symptoms.

When symptoms occur, they may include:

• tiredness
• a high temperature
• feeling or being sick
• loss of appetite
• pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
• an itchy, raised rash
• urine that is darker than usual
• pale stools
• yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes

Yellowing of the skin or eyes is known as jaundice. It may be less noticeable on brown or black skin but easier to see in the whites of the eyes.

These symptoms have many possible causes. They cannot confirm hepatitis B, and having no symptoms does not rule the infection out.

Hepatitis B can be transmitted through infected blood and certain body fluids.

Possible routes include:

• vaginal, anal or oral sex without barrier protection
• sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment
• a needlestick or sharps injury
• sharing razors or toothbrushes contaminated with blood
• tattoos or piercings using unsterilised equipment
• medical or dental treatment where infection control is inadequate
• receiving unscreened blood or blood products
• transmission from a mother to her baby during childbirth

Blood donated in the UK is screened for hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is not normally transmitted through ordinary social contact such as hugging, coughing, sharing food or sitting next to someone.

Hepatitis B can be sexually transmitted, but it is not transmitted only through sex.

The virus can be present in blood, semen and vaginal fluids. It may therefore be included in a comprehensive private STI testing package following a relevant sexual exposure.

Not every STI package includes hepatitis B. Check STI test packages and prices before booking.

Testing may be appropriate if you:

• have had sex with someone known to have hepatitis B
• have had unprotected sex or another relevant sexual exposure
• have shared needles or other injecting equipment
• have experienced a needlestick or sharps injury
• have shared razors or toothbrushes that may have contained blood
• have had a tattoo or piercing using equipment that may not have been sterile
• received medical or dental care where infection control was uncertain
• received blood products in a country without established screening
• were born in or lived in a country where hepatitis B is more common
• were born to a mother with hepatitis B
• have unexplained abnormal liver results
• have symptoms that could indicate hepatitis
• have been advised to test by a clinician

This is not a diagnostic checklist. A clinician can assess the type and timing of the possible exposure and recommend the appropriate tests.

DocTap’s standard hepatitis B surface-antigen screen is offered from 45 days after exposure.

This does not mean that every hepatitis B test has the same testing time. The appropriate test and timing depend on:

• the marker being measured
• the type and date of exposure
• whether symptoms are present
• previous vaccination
• whether an initial baseline test is required
• whether repeat testing may be needed

A non-reactive result taken too soon may need to be repeated.

Book with a GP if the exposure was recent or you are uncertain whether the standard test is suitable.

A non-reactive result means hepatitis B surface antigen was not detected in the sample.

This can be reassuring if the test was taken at the appropriate time. It may not rule out a very recent infection if testing was performed too early.

It also does not show whether you are immune to hepatitis B.

A reactive result means hepatitis B surface antigen has been detected.

Further assessment may include:

• repeating or confirming the result
• checking additional hepatitis B markers
• hepatitis B DNA testing
• liver function blood tests
• clotting tests
• testing for other blood-borne infections
• onward specialist referral

A single screening result does not usually establish whether an infection is acute or chronic.

Acute hepatitis B is a recent, short-term infection.

If hepatitis B remains present for longer than six months, it is described as chronic hepatitis B. Previous test results and additional laboratory markers may be needed to determine this.

Treatment depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Most adults with acute hepatitis B clear the virus without specific antiviral treatment. Care may include rest, maintaining an appropriate fluid intake, symptom treatment, avoiding alcohol, reviewing medicines that may affect the liver, blood tests to monitor liver function and specialist assessment when needed.

There is currently no routine cure for chronic hepatitis B, but antiviral medicines can suppress the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage.

Not everyone with chronic hepatitis B needs to begin treatment immediately. A specialist may consider the amount of virus in the blood, liver-enzyme results, signs of liver inflammation or scarring, age and general health, other infections or medical conditions, pregnancy or pregnancy plans and family history of liver disease.

DocTap can provide initial testing, GP advice and onward referral. Long-term hepatitis B treatment is provided through an appropriate specialist service.

Chronic hepatitis B can cause continuing inflammation of the liver.

Over time, this may lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, reduced liver function, liver failure and an increased risk of liver cancer.

These complications do not occur in everyone. Appropriate monitoring and treatment can reduce the risk of progressive damage.

Arrange prompt medical advice if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, persistent vomiting, worsening upper abdominal pain, significant drowsiness or confusion, abdominal swelling, unexplained bleeding or bruising, very dark urine with pale stools or severe illness after a possible exposure.

Call 999 or attend A&E for collapse, loss of consciousness, vomiting blood, black stools, severe confusion or another life-threatening symptom.

Do not use a routine private appointment for a medical emergency.

Vaccination can help prevent hepatitis B and may be recommended for people with particular medical, occupational, sexual or travel-related risks.

DocTap does not currently provide vaccinations.

A GP, pharmacist, occupational health service, NHS sexual health clinic or travel clinic can advise whether vaccination may be appropriate.