What is a Hep B Titer?

A Hep B titer is a blood test that checks for immunity (from prior vaccination or infection) to the Hepatitis B infection. This test will state your immunity levels to Hep B infection as well as determine if you are immune or non-immune to the infection. If you are unable to find proof of immunization, but you think you have been vaccinated in the past, you may opt to take a titer test.  

If your institution has a student health center, they may offer titer tests for students. It is always helpful to utilize this resource if you have it. Contact them today about getting your Hep B antibody titer.

You can also schedule your Hep B Titer Test with Labcorp Today

How to Read My Titer Test Results?

A negative test result indicates that you do not have immunity to the Hepatitis B infection. In order for your titer test to fulfill your immunization requirement you will need a positive test result which indicates that you do have immunity. If your test results are equivocal, that means that you do have present antibodies but not enough to be considered protective. In order for your titer to be accepted as proof of immunization for most institution's vaccine compliance you will need positive test results. 

What Do I Do After I Get My Test Results?

If your test results show that you are immune to hepatitis B, you do not need to take any further action. These results can be used to meet immunization compliance standards. If you need help submitting proof of these positive test results, please reach out to help@medproctor.com for assistance.

If your test results show that you do not have immunity, your doctor may recommend that you get the vaccination series, particularly if you are at high risk of getting the infection. This is because the vaccinations will help protect you from the infection and lower your chances of becoming ill. Your school may also require that you have proof of immunization or a positive titer, so if your titer test is negative, you will need to get the necessary vaccinations to meet the school's immunization requirements.

If your titer results are negative, most institutions accept the following hepatitis B immunizations in order to protect against the virus: two doses of Heplisav-B, three doses of Engerix-B, or one dose of Recombivax HB.

For more information on where to get vaccinated you will want to contact your health care provider or your student health center.

Why Get a Hep B Titer?

• Immunization Compliance
• It is likely that your school will allow you to provide lab evidence of immunity by doing a hep B blood titer test to fulfill your hep B immunization requirement. 
• You will want to confirm with your school that a hep B titer is accepted in place of the hep B vaccination requirment to ensure your immunization compliance. You can also reach out via email to help@medproctor.com to confirm these requirements as well. 
• Pregnancy
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and cannot be revaccinated, you may want to consider getting a titer test to check if you have immunity. This test can help you find out if you have enough antibodies to guard you against the disease, or if you need to be revaccinated.
• Some people also get a hep B titer to check their immunity when they will be in close proximity to a baby or someone with a weakened immune system.
• Confirm your Past Immunization History 
• A titer can be useful if you do not have evidence of your prior hepatitis B immunization or if you have a history of the virus and need to demonstrate this known immunity. It can demonstrate that you have been vaccinated against hepatitis B and are protected from the virus. However, it is important to remember that a titer does not substitute for a hepatitis B vaccine if you have not been immunized in the past.
• If you are uncertain about your immunization status for hepatitis B, a hepatitis B titer test can also be beneficial. This test will show if you have already been vaccinated against hepatitis B or if you need to get vaccinated for the first time. Doing this can help make sure you are adequately safeguarded against the virus.

What is Hep B?

Hep B is also known as Hepatitis B or HBV. 

Hepatitis B is a contagious virus that is transmitted through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected individual. It can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. Symptoms of hepatitis B may include fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint pain, and jaundice. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. People with chronic hepatitis B are at a greater risk of developing liver failure, cancer, or cirrhosis, a condition that causes permanent damage to the liver. Treatment for hepatitis B consists of antiviral medications, lifestyle modifications, vaccinations, and having regular check-ups to monitor the liver's functioning. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B and is recommended for all infants, children, and adults who are at risk of contracting the virus.

Please note that the Hep B titer only tests for immunity, it does not protect you from contracting the disease. If you have any symptoms alike to hepatitis B, contact your doctor immediately.