Testing for hepatitis B
Not all blood tests will show if you have hepatitis B. Your doctor needs to do specific blood tests to find out if you have it or if you are protected from the virus. The hepatitis B tests are not usually included in the health checks needed to migrate to Australia.
Ask your doctor what tests you need to find out if you have hepatitis B.
Who should get tested?
You should have a test for hepatitis B if you:
- were born or have lived in countries where hepatitis B is common or where there are no free hepatitis B vaccines for babies and children.
- have parents or a family member with hepatitis B, liver disease, or liver cancer.
- live with someone who has hepatitis B.
- have had a medical or dental procedure overseas, in countries where equipment is not sterilised (cleaned) properly.
- have taken part in cultural practices that involve blood, such as tattooing, piercing, or acupuncture.
- have ever had a sexual partner with hepatitis B.
- have had sex without a condom.
- had a blood transfusion overseas, or before 1990 in Australia.
Types of hepatitis B tests
Your doctor can do different types of blood tests to test for hepatitis B.
| Test | What does this show? | What does this mean if positive? | What should you do? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) | This shows if you currently have hepatitis B. | You have hepatitis B. If you have this for over 6 months, it is chronic. | Talk to your doctor about further tests, check-ups and treatment if necessary. Encourage your family/sexual partners/people you live with to get tested. |
| Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb or anti-HBc) | This shows if you have ever had hepatitis B. | You may have had hepatitis B or have had Hepatitis B in the past. | Talk to your doctor about more tests, check-ups and treatment if necessary. Encourage your family/sexual partners/people you live with to get tested. |
| Hepatitis B surface antibody(HBsAb or anti-HBs) | This shows whether you are immune to hepatitis B either from past infection or vaccination. | You cannot get hepatitis B again and will not need a hepatitis B vaccination. | Encourage your family/sexual partners/people you live with to get tested. |
If you have chronic hepatitis B, your doctor may order more tests to see if your liver is damaged and if you need to take medications. Your doctor can explain each test and what it’s for.
If your blood tests show you do not have hepatitis B and are not immune to hepatitis B, then you should ask your doctor for a hepatitis B vaccination.
Where to get tested
General practitioner (GP)Ask your doctor for a hepatitis B test. Testing is free if you have a Medicare card. Not all blood tests will show if you have hepatitis B. Your doctor needs to do specific blood tests to find out if you have hepatitis B.
Liver clinics and specialists
Use the Hepatitis NSW local service directory to find doctors who test for hepatitis B, liver clinics and liver specialists near you.
Sexual Health Clinics
Testing for hepatitis B at NSW Sexual Health Clinics is free, easy and confidential for selected patients. At some clinics you don’t need a Medicare card and don’t need to give your real name if you don’t want to.
For more information about which sexual health clinic is the best for you, call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.
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