Hepatitis B Result Meaning — HBsAg, Anti-HBs and What They Mean

Hepatitis B results confuse people because two different markers both read as 'positive'. HBsAg positive means the virus is present. Anti-HBs positive means you are immune — usually from vaccination. They mean opposite things, and mixing them up causes real distress.

Reference ranges

HBsAg positiveThe virus is present — you are infected
Anti-HBs positiveYou are immune, usually from vaccination
Anti-HBc positivePast exposure at some point
All negativeNo infection and no immunity — vaccination advised

Reference ranges vary between laboratories and methods. Always read your result against the range printed on your own report.

Seek care urgently if

What a high result can mean

HBsAg positive

Requires further tests to establish whether it is acute or chronic, and how active.

High viral load

Determines whether treatment is needed and how infectious you are.

Raised ALT alongside

Suggests active liver inflammation.

What a low result can mean

Anti-HBs below 10 mIU/mL

Immunity has waned — a booster may be advised.

All markers negative

No protection; vaccination is the useful next step.

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Send us the value and we will tell you whether it needs an appointment or not. No account, no form.

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What happens next

A positive HBsAg is not a crisis, but it does need proper follow-up: liver function, viral load and a liver ultrasound establish whether treatment is needed. Household contacts should be tested and vaccinated.

Hepatitis B Profile Liver Function Test Abdominal Ultrasound

Other results people look up

This page explains what a result can mean in general terms. It is not a diagnosis and cannot account for your history, medication or examination. All visits to Mascot Healthcare are by appointment — Mon–Sat, 9AM–5PM, 52 Sholanke Street, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.