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Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids. This can occur through unprotected sexual contact, sharing of needles or syringes, from mother to child during childbirth, or through exposure to contaminated medical equipment. The infection can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious lifelong condition that may lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Laboratory testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing hepatitis B infection and monitoring the disease. The most common initial test is the hepatitis B surface antigen test, which detects the presence of the virus in the blood. If this test is positive, it indicates an active infection. Additional tests include hepatitis B surface antibody, which shows immunity either from vaccination or past infection, and hepatitis B core antibody, which helps distinguish between acute and chronic infection. For those with chronic hepatitis B, viral load testing measures the amount of virus in the blood and helps determine treatment needs.

When hepatitis B is diagnosed, healthcare providers often order liver function tests to assess how well the liver is working. These tests measure enzymes and proteins in the blood, including alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, which can be elevated when the liver is inflamed or damaged. Additional tests may include bilirubin levels and albumin levels, which provide further information about liver health. Regular monitoring through these laboratory tests is essential for people with chronic hepatitis B to detect any progression of liver disease.

Prevention of hepatitis B is possible through vaccination, which is highly effective and recommended for all infants, children, and adults at increased risk. For those already infected, antiviral medications can help control the virus and prevent liver damage. Regular laboratory testing allows healthcare providers to track the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments. Early detection through appropriate testing is important because many people with hepatitis B may not have symptoms until significant liver damage has occurred.