Approach to the Patient with Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

CASE BASED MODULES
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
Other Hepatitis Viruses
Common Management Issues
Home
About This Site
Free CE
High Risk Populations
Resources
Site Map
Contact Us
Editors and Authors

Question | Discussion | References | CME Credit | CNE Credit

You answered:

Appropriate laboratory studies should include a complete hepatitis B serologic evaluation, a serum HBV DNA level, and biochemical markers related to hepatic inflammation and function.

This answer is correct. The initial laboratory evaluation of a positive HBsAg includes a complete hepatitis B serologic evaluation, including IgM anti-HBc, HBeAg, and hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe). In addition, studies should be performed to measure serum HBV DNA level and biochemical markers related to hepatic inflammation and function. These tests are essential to accurately characterize the patient’s HBV infection.

[Back to Question | Proceed to Discussion ]