Hepatitis B Test in Lagos: Screening vs. the Full Hepatitis B Profile
From Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka (Yaba), Lagos
Hello Friend! If a doctor, employer or school in Lagos has asked you to "do a hepatitis B test," you may be wondering which test you actually need. There are two common options, and they answer different questions.
1. Hepatitis B Screening (the Quick Check)
A screening test usually checks for HBsAg — the surface antigen of the virus. A positive result means the virus is currently present in your blood. This is the fast, affordable first step, ideal for routine checks, pre-employment requirements and general peace of mind.
Learn more about our Hepatitis B screening test.
2. The Full Hepatitis B Profile (the Complete Picture)
A full profile checks several markers at once. Together, they show whether you are currently infected, whether you are immune (from past infection or vaccination), and how infectious you may be. The common markers include:
- HBsAg — shows current infection
- Anti-HBs — shows immunity (from vaccine or recovery)
- Anti-HBc — shows past or present exposure to the virus
- HBeAg — suggests higher infectiousness when positive
See our Hepatitis B profile for the full panel.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you simply need a yes/no for a job or school, screening is usually enough. If you want to know your complete status — including whether you are already immune and can skip vaccination — the profile is the better choice. If you are unsure, our team in Akoka will guide you.
Testing also tells us whether you need the Hepatitis B vaccine. For the full story, read our complete Hepatitis B vaccine guide.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lawal Taiye (MBBS, Ibadan) — Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka, Lagos.