Hepatitis B surface antibodies
This test is designed to measure the level of antibodies against hepatitis B in your blood to determine if you have immunity to the virus. A result greater than 10 IU/L indicates that you have sufficient antibodies for immunity, while a result less than 10 IU/L suggests that you are not immune. However, if you are at a higher risk of exposure to hepatitis B through your work, such as healthcare workers performing Exposure Prone Procedures (EPPs), you will require a result greater than 100 IU/L to confirm immunity. Having immunity to hepatitis B means that you are protected from possible infection and will not transmit the virus to another person. Immunity can be achieved through prior vaccination or by recovering from a previous infection. It is important to note that this test does not determine whether you are currently infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a contagious viral infection that can cause liver inflammation and enlargement. Acute infections can resolve within six months, while chronic infections can lead to lasting liver damage. The infection can be asymptomatic, especially in its early stages, and is typically spread through close contact with infected individuals or exposure to infected blood. Health care workers are often required to check their immunity against hepatitis B for occupational health and safety reasons.