Annales de Biologie Clinique
MENUPositive HBs antigen in the absence of hepatitis B virus infection Volume 77, issue 5, Septembre-Octobre 2019
- Key words: screening, HBV, serology, Vidas, Architect, vaccination
- DOI : 10.1684/abc.2019.1483
- Page(s) : 543-8
- Published in: 2019
French recommendations for the screening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were updated in 2019 with the association of three markers: HBs Ag, anti-HBs Ab and anti-HBc Ab. These three markers allow identification of infected patients, vaccinated patients and patients who have been in contact with HBV. A positive HBs Ag is usually associated with HBV infection but this interpretation must take into account the clinical context. In particular, the absence of anti-HBc Ab, normal ALAT levels and the absence of jaundice can be associated with recent HBV vaccination or false-positive HBs Ag. Recent HBV vaccination can usually be confirmed by patient questioning, while confirmatory tests are useful to detect false positive HBs Ag. If necessary, a second sample can be requested to confirm the interpretation.
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