This test screens for hepatitis B infection in a high-risk population.

Approximately 46,000 new cases of hepatitis B virus, a liver infection, occurred in the United States in 2006. This illness is spread by blood or bodily fluids. Acute hepatitis B infection can lead to chronic hepatitis both of which can be very serious conditions. Infants and children are at particularly high risk for developing chronic hepatitis B infection following an acute hepatitis B infection. Discovery of hepatitis B infection in pregnant women at the initial prenatal visit provides the opportunity for treatment of the child immediately after birth. Untreated chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to permanent liver damage, cancer, and even death. Clinical studies have provided evidence that screening all high-risk individuals is valuable. (This is a screening test for high-risk individuals. Further blood tests would be required to evaluate acute hepatitis.)

Blood is drawn usually from the forearm.

No.

• Unsafe sex
• Blood transfusion
• Use of non-sterilized needles
• Endemic area