What causes Hepatitis B immunity?

Hepatitis B immunity is caused by the body producing protective antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). These antibodies develop either through receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine series, which stimulates your immune system to create defenses without causing infection, or by naturally recovering from a Hepatitis B infection where your body successfully clears the virus. Once these antibodies are present, they provide long-term or lifelong protection against future HBV infections.

What is the best test for Hepatitis B immunity?

The Hepatitis Be Antibody test is the most important test for confirming Hepatitis B immunity because it detects specific antibodies that indicate your immune system has developed protection against the virus. This test reveals whether you have immunity from vaccination or from successfully clearing a past infection. For comprehensive immunity assessment, healthcare providers may also order additional antibody panels that measure surface antibodies (anti-HBs) and core antibodies (anti-HBc) to distinguish between vaccine-induced immunity and natural immunity from past infection.

When should I get tested for Hepatitis B immunity?

You should get tested if you work in healthcare or have frequent exposure to blood and bodily fluids, if you are planning to travel to regions where Hepatitis B is common, if you have a compromised immune system or underlying health conditions, or if you want to confirm that your childhood vaccination still provides adequate protection. Testing is also recommended if you cannot find your vaccination records or if it has been many years since your last vaccine dose and you need to verify ongoing immunity.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B infection?

Hepatitis B infection causes fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain especially in the upper right area, dark urine, clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. Many people with acute Hepatitis B have no symptoms at all, especially children, which is why immunity testing is important for those at risk. Chronic Hepatitis B may remain silent for years before causing liver damage.

Who is at risk for Hepatitis B infection?

Healthcare workers and first responders with exposure to blood are at risk for Hepatitis B infection. People who share needles or drug equipment, have multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex, live with someone who has Hepatitis B, receive dialysis treatment, or travel to countries with high Hepatitis B rates face increased risk. Infants born to infected mothers and people with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections also have higher risk. Vaccination provides excellent protection for all these groups.

What happens if I am not immune to Hepatitis B?

If you are not immune to Hepatitis B and become infected, you risk developing acute hepatitis that can cause severe liver inflammation and in rare cases, acute liver failure. About 90% of infected infants and 5-10% of infected adults develop chronic Hepatitis B, which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer over time. Without immunity, you remain vulnerable to infection through exposure to infected blood or body fluids. The good news is that the Hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and can establish immunity when given as a series of shots.

Can Hepatitis B immunity be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, Hepatitis B immunity can be diagnosed with a simple blood test that measures antibody levels. The Hepatitis Be Antibody test and other antibody panels detect whether your immune system has protective antibodies against the virus. These blood tests distinguish between immunity from vaccination, immunity from past infection, and lack of immunity. Results typically show whether you have adequate protection or need vaccination or booster shots.

How is lack of Hepatitis B immunity treated?

Lack of Hepatitis B immunity is treated with the Hepatitis B vaccine series, which involves three or four injections given over a six-month period. The vaccine is highly effective, providing immunity in about 95% of healthy adults and children. After completing the series, antibody levels are sometimes checked to confirm adequate immune response. If you have been exposed to Hepatitis B and are not immune, you may also receive Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) for immediate temporary protection while the vaccine takes effect.

How can I prevent Hepatitis B infection?

You can prevent Hepatitis B infection by getting vaccinated with the complete vaccine series, which is the most effective prevention method. Practice safe sex by using condoms and limiting sexual partners, never share needles, syringes, or drug equipment, and avoid sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes that might have blood on them. Healthcare workers should always follow standard precautions and use protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids. If you are pregnant, get tested so your baby can receive protective treatment at birth if needed.

What can I do at home to support my immune system against Hepatitis B?

You can support your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains that provide essential nutrients for immune function. Avoid alcohol completely as it damages the liver and weakens your body's defenses, get adequate sleep of 7-9 hours per night, exercise regularly to boost overall immunity, and manage stress through relaxation techniques. However, these lifestyle measures do not replace vaccination as the primary method of establishing immunity. If you are at risk for Hepatitis B exposure, vaccination remains essential regardless of how healthy your lifestyle is.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Hepatitis B Immunity Blood Test

What is Hepatitis B Immunity?

Hepatitis B immunity is the body's protection against the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), acquired through vaccination or recovery from infection. It is caused by the development of specific antibodies that neutralize the virus and prevent infection. The Hepatitis Be Antibody test is the most important test for confirming immunity status.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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