What is a hepatitis B test?

This antigen test is intended to detect whether you are infected with the hepatitis B virus. The test works through a simple blood sample taken with a finger prick, which you perform at home. You will receive clear instructions for collecting your sample. After collection, you send the sample back using the included prepaid return packaging. It is then analysed by a recognised laboratory. You will usually receive your result within one day after your sample has been received by the laboratory, via your personal online dashboard.

What is hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis B virus. Infection can occur through:

• transmission from mother to child during childbirth
• unprotected sexual contact
• contact with infected blood (such as through tattoos, wounds, shared needles or toothbrushes)

Please note: hepatitis B is not transmitted through food, drinks, kissing, breastfeeding, shaking hands or coughing.

What is the window period for hepatitis B?

Every infection has a window period: the time between infection and the moment a test can detect the infection. For hepatitis B, this is usually 4 to 8 weeks. It is therefore advisable to wait until 8 weeks after a risk moment before testing to obtain a reliable result.

When is a hepatitis B test useful?

Consider testing if:

• you have had unprotected sexual contact
• you have been in contact with infected blood (e.g. through wounds, shared needles or toothbrushes)
• you experience symptoms such as fatigue, nausea or jaundice
• you belong to a risk group or undergo standard STI screening

Many people with hepatitis B have no symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others. That is why testing is important, even if you feel healthy. In some cases, an acute infection can develop into a chronic form, in which the virus remains in your body for a longer period.

By testing in time, you can prevent further spread and receive appropriate care promptly if needed.

Symptoms of hepatitis B

With an acute hepatitis B infection, symptoms can occur, but many people initially notice little or nothing. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear 4 to 8 weeks after infection.

Typical symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite
• Extreme fatigue
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Flu-like symptoms (such as muscle aches or mild fever)
• Pale or clay-coloured stools
• Increased body temperature
• Dark urine
• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen (where the liver is located)

The symptoms can last for several weeks, but sometimes may continue for up to three months. Have you experienced these symptoms or do you think you may have been at risk? Then it is advisable to take a home test.

Biomarker summary – Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is present in body fluids such as:

• blood
• semen
• vaginal fluid
• breast milk

You can become infected if these fluids enter your body, for example through:

• sexual contact
• the use of contaminated needles or tattoo equipment
• transmission from mother to child during birth

Please note: hepatitis B is not transmitted through food, water, sharing cutlery, kissing, hugging, shaking hands, coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms and progression

Many people with hepatitis B have no symptoms and recover naturally. Others may experience acute symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice or abdominal pain. In some cases, the infection develops into a chronic form. Over time, this can lead to liver damage, liver cirrhosis or even liver cancer if left untreated.

Prevention and treatment

• Vaccination is an effective way to prevent hepatitis B.
• A chronic infection cannot be cured, but it can be treated with antiviral medication.
• With the right care, people with chronic hepatitis B can live a long, healthy and non-infectious life.

How can you prevent hepatitis B?

The best way to prevent hepatitis B is vaccination. In the Netherlands, this vaccination is included in the National Immunisation Programme. Since 2012/2013, all children have been routinely vaccinated against hepatitis B. In addition, you can reduce the risk of infection by:

• Not sharing toothbrushes, razors or nail clippers
• Avoiding blood contact, for example by using gloves and waterproof plasters when treating wounds
• Not using injection needles that have already been used by someone else
• Practising safe sex, for example by using a condom

Is hepatitis B easy to treat?

In adults, the hepatitis B virus usually disappears on its own. However, in some cases the virus remains in the body. This is called chronic hepatitis B. People with chronic hepatitis B often have no symptoms but can still infect others. They have an increased risk of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure.

Treatment focuses on suppressing the virus and preventing liver damage. This is usually done with antiviral medication. It is important that people with chronic hepatitis B receive regular medical check-ups through their doctor or specialist.

Hepatitis B and pregnancy

In the Netherlands, pregnant women are routinely tested for hepatitis B. If a pregnant woman is found to be a carrier of the virus:

• Her baby receives an injection with antibodies and the hepatitis B vaccine immediately after birth
• This protects the baby from infection right away

This is a proven and effective way to prevent transmission of the virus from mother to child.

What does your test result mean?

Everyone who takes a hepatitis B test through us receives a complete laboratory report with a clear explanation of the results.

• A negative result means that no hepatitis B virus has been detected. You are not infected and no treatment is required.
• A positive result indicates that a hepatitis B infection is present.

Please note: you will not receive a positive result if you have only previously been vaccinated against hepatitis B, or if you have ever been infected and have fully recovered.

If your test result is positive, we recommend contacting your doctor. They can provide further guidance with:

• follow-up testing (e.g. to determine whether the infection is acute or chronic)
• starting treatment if necessary
• advice on informing partners or close contacts

How do you receive your results?

We understand that laboratory results can sometimes be confusing. That is why we make it as simple as possible:

• You will receive an email once your result is available.
• You can securely and anonymously view your results in your personal dashboard.

For each part of the test, we provide a clear explanation, so you know exactly what your values mean and what you can do if necessary. Test results provide a snapshot in time and can be influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, medication and the timing of the sample collection. Abnormal values do not automatically mean that there is a medical condition.

When can you expect your results?

You will usually receive your result within one working day after your sample has been received by the laboratory.