Hi @ Jack,
Sorry for the late response to your question. Your results do indicate a past or recent exposure to HBV, but you are currently not infected. You have a strong antibody or immunity against HBV. Great news. Best, Bansah1
Hi @Jack,
Yes, completely agree with @Bansah1’s comments here: these results are consistent with previous exposure and clearance of a HBV infection, as well as protection against any future exposure.
Thomas
There is no need for anti-HBV medication, you do not have the infection.
Thank you,
But can I be contacted again with the virus if I come in contact with someone who is HBV positive?
No, as mentioned above, your lab results show that you have anti-Hep B surface antibodies - which means that you are protected in the case of future exposure.
Thomas
1 Like
okay. thank you so much.
@Jack
That’s awesome news Jack. Lucky you.
Hello everyone!
I did my regular 6 monts check up and I wanted your thoughts on these results:
Note that I am not under any medication.
- My viral load is negative/undetected for the first time in 11 years (but the doctor ordered a retest).
- My ALT and ASAT level are normal (last time, 6 months ago, ALT were 80 with 46 being the normal threshold).
- HBs is positve
- Anti HBs is negative.
I am still waiting on some other results (Hep-Serologie)
What does that mean? Is there a chance of functional cure? Is there a chance of reactivation?
Best,
Drew
1 Like
Hi @Drew_rous,
Your results show that your HBV is becoming well-controlled, which is great. As indicated by normal ALT, AST, and undetectable viral load. Your immune system is doing a good job of controlling the disease.
Yes, you can achieve a functional cure depending on your surface antigen quantitative level. Remember that nothing is guaranteed, but it is possible. There is always a chance of reactivation due to other diseases, infections, weakened immune system, medications, etc.
Overall, your results show a controlled infection. Best, Bansah1
1 Like
Thank you very much for the response!
I have one more question. What does the undetectable viral load mean with respect to infecting others?
Best,
Drew
1 Like
Hi @Drew_rous,
That is a great question. Undetectable means that the amount of virus in your blood is too low to be measured by the test. It does not mean you do not have HBV. It only means that your virus is not multiplying or increasing in your blood as so they are unable to measure it with the test. With regards to infecting others, the chances are less likely. People are more contagious when the viral load is high. Low viral load means less inflammation of the liver, and a lower transmission/risk.
NOTE: This only applies to HBV, but you will remain exposed to other viruses or diseases. Safe practices are required for some things, especially those that are sexual. I hope this is helpful. Bansah1
2 Likes
Hi Thomas,
Just recently received my blood test results. I don’t like what I see but also I don’t understand everything here. Can you please help me interpret please.
Thank you so much🙏
Hi @Q_Nguy,
Your results show a high viral load of 53.8 million and a slight increase in your ALT. I am not concerned much about your ALT, but your viral load is very high. Is this your first test? If so, I will say repeat in 3 months with AST and an ultrasound. Based on those results, you can discuss treatment options with your provider if the viral load remains high at that time. I will ask that you be careful and safe, as with this high viral load, you remain infectious or can infect others if exposed. Best, Bansah1
Hi Bansah,
Thanks for responding. I am 46 years old, found out in early 2021 that I was likely been living my whole life with chronic hep B without even knowing it. In 2021 I felt very sick, ALT levels spiked and viral load was 6 figures. Since that happened, I am now being monitored by a hepatologist. I have yet to speak with the specialist regarding this recent blood work, I am nervous about these high levels.
Quoc N
Hi @Q_Nguy,
The way you found out is very similar to how many of us found out. In most people, HBV does not show any signs or symptoms, and by the time it does, it is always too late to intervene. I am glad you found out back in 2021. Is there any reason why you have not been monitored since 2021? If the viral load was 6 figures at that time, then it has increased. With all the extra information, I think it is appropriate to start treatment. Don’t be nervous, I understand the numbers are high, but I have seen some patients with higher numbers than yours. Please, speak with the specialist about treatment and what antiviral treatment options are available. I think starting treatment will help stop the viral replication and prevent further liver inflammation that could damage your liver. I hope you can see the specialist sooner for further conversation about this. Keep us posted, and know that you are not alone in this. Bansah1
1 Like
Hi Basrah,
I should of added that I have been monitored since 2021. When I first showed symptoms, ALT and viral load was elevated and blood work after showed that ALT and viral have dropped to levels where my doctor said he was not concerned. The recent blood work seems concerning as my doctor called me, he has never called me to book appointments. I have always called myself to book appointments after 6 months blood work and ultrasound.
I also would like to include that I have cysts in my liver. Ultrasound found small cysts in 2021 witch have grown from 2mm to 10mm.
Thanks for all your help🙏
Quoc
1 Like
Hi @Q_Nguy,
Oh, I see. Thanks for the extra information. I think when you see the doctor treatment should be initiated since we don’t know how long since your last test the viral load and ALT have been up. I bet that call scared you. It’s good that you have a provider that understands your condition and is on top of things.
It’s common to find cysts but as the treatment continues it does stabilizes so those cysts don’t grow bigger. At least that has been in my case.
Best, Bansah1
1 Like
Thanks Bansah!
I will provide updates to this forum as soon as I have more information!
Quoc
3 Likes
Thank you so much for sharing this @ThomasTu . It helps us to understand our test result better.