What is a hepatitis B test?
This antigen test shows whether you have contracted hepatitis B virus. The test consists of a blood test that you can easily perform from home. You will receive detailed instructions with your test on how to collect the sample. After collection, send your sample to our certified laboratory using the prepaid shipping label, where it will be analyzed. You will receive the results within a few days of the sample reaching the lab.
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus. Transmission can take place from mother to child at birth, through sexual contact or contact with blood (RIVM, 2021). Hepatitis B is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, hand holding, coughing, or sneezing.
What is the window period for hepatitis B?
Every STI has a window period. This is the time between when an individual is infected and the moment that the STI is detectable with a test. The window period of hepatitis B is four weeks.
When should I consider taking a hepatitis B test?
If you are experiencing symptoms or have had unprotected sex, shared a toothbrush, or shared a needle with someone who has hepatitis B, you should get tested.
Additionally, many people with acute hepatitis B do not have any immediate symptoms. You may already have the virus and be contagious before experiencing any symptoms, or remain infected for an extended period without experiencing any symptoms at all. Individuals infected with hepatitis B remain contagious until the virus is cleared from their body, usually 4 to 8 weeks after onset. In some cases, acute hepatitis B will not be cleared by the body and progress to a chronic infection. This is why screening for hepatitis B as a part of routine STI screening is also recommended. Testing allows you to prevent further spread of the virus and access appropriate treatment if needed.
What does the result of this test mean?
Anyone who orders a home test from Homed-IQ will receive a complete laboratory report.
A negative test result means you don’t have hepatitis B and no treatment is needed.
A positive test result means that you have a current hepatitis B infection. Your test result will not be positive if you have only been vaccinated and not infected.
In event of a positive test result, we advise you to go to your own doctor with the laboratory report. They can then advise you of correct next steps, such as additional testing to determine whether you have an acute or chronic infection.
How results are shared?
We understand that test results can be confusing. At Homed-IQ we make it as easy as possible for you to understand the test result.
In your personal online dashboard you can view your laboratory report as well as a clear and simple explanation of your test results.
How soon will I receive my test results?
You will receive the test result very quickly, often within one to three working days after your sample has arrived at our laboratory.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is present in body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk) and is spread when body fluids contaminated with the virus enter the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through childbirth, sexual contact, or contact with used needles. Hepatitis B is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, hand holding, coughing, or sneezing. Not all people infected with Hepatitis B have symptoms and many heal from the infection on their own. For others, Hepatitis B can become a chronic infection that, if left untreated, can lead to serious or life-threatening health problems, such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine and the best way to prevent infection is to get vaccinated. Chronic hepatitis B has no cure, but can be treated with antiviral drugs. People with chronic hepatitis B can live a long and healthy life with the right treatment and are not at risk of passing the virus on to others.
