Understanding the Hepatitis B Panel blood test

The Hepatitis B Panel is a combined blood test that measures three key Hepatitis B markers to determine whether a person has a current infection, past exposure, or protective immunity. Testing these markers together allows accurate interpretation that cannot be achieved with a single test alone.

This panel includes:

• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
• Hepatitis B Core Total Antibodies
• Hepatitis B Immunity Surface Antibody

By analysing how these markers interact, clinicians can determine whether Hepatitis B infection is active, resolved, or prevented through vaccination. This panel is widely used in screening, diagnosis, occupational health, antenatal care, and clinical monitoring.

When a Hepatitis B Panel blood test is recommended

A Hepatitis B Panel is appropriate whenever a complete and reliable assessment of Hepatitis B status is required. Hepatitis B can remain asymptomatic for long periods, meaning infection or exposure may go unnoticed without blood testing.

Panel testing is especially important when vaccination history is unclear or when previous single-marker tests have produced confusing results.

Testing may be appropriate if you:

• Are undergoing screening for viral hepatitis
• Have abnormal liver function test results
• Have been exposed to blood or body fluids
• Have a sexual partner with Hepatitis B
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Require occupational or visa-related screening
• Have previously received Hepatitis B vaccination
• Need confirmation of immunity or past exposure

Key benefits of the Hepatitis B Panel test

• Provides a complete Hepatitis B status overview
  Combines infection, exposure, and immunity markers.
• Distinguishes infection from vaccination immunity
  Prevents misinterpretation of individual tests.
• Identifies active infection accurately
  Surface antigen confirms current viral presence.
• Detects past exposure even after recovery
  Core antibodies remain detectable long-term.
• Confirms protective immunity
  Surface antibodies show effective immune protection.
• Widely used in screening and clinical practice
  Trusted diagnostic approach across the UK.
• Simple blood test with no preparation required
  No fasting or lifestyle changes needed.
• Supports informed clinical and personal decisions
  Provides clarity for treatment, monitoring, or reassurance.

How the test is carried out

We offer two convenient UK-wide testing options:

Clinic-based blood testing

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• A healthcare professional collects a blood sample
• The sample is analysed in a certified laboratory
• Results are issued once testing is complete

Home or hotel blood collection (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home, workplace, or hotel
• Blood is collected at a time convenient for you
• No clinic visit required
• Available nationwide across the UK

Both options use the same laboratory methods and clinical standards.

Understanding your Hepatitis B Panel results

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

Indicates whether active Hepatitis B infection is present.

• Negative: No active infection
• Positive: Current Hepatitis B infection (acute or chronic)

Hepatitis B Core Total Antibodies

Indicates past or current exposure to Hepatitis B virus.

• Negative: No previous exposure
• Positive: Past or current infection (not produced by vaccination)

Hepatitis B Immunity Surface Antibody

Indicates protective immunity to Hepatitis B.

• Negative: No immunity
• Positive: Immune (from vaccination or past infection)

Common result patterns explained

• Surface Antigen negative + Core Antibody negative + Surface Antibody positive
  Immune due to vaccination
• Surface Antigen negative + Core Antibody positive + Surface Antibody positive
  Past infection, now immune
• Surface Antigen positive + Core Antibody positive + Surface Antibody negative
  Active Hepatitis B infection
• All markers negative
  Susceptible, not immune