Quick answer
The Hepatitis B Profile Test costs ₹4,000 at Live Line Health Care. A panel of hepatitis B markers that, read together, shows whether infection is new, long-standing or past, and whether you are protected by vaccination. No fasting is needed. It uses a blood sample and the report is usually ready within 24–48 hours.
Also known as: Hepatitis B Markers, Hepatitis B Panel, HBV Profile, HBV Markers, Hepatitis B Serology, Hepatitis B Marker Test, HBsAg Anti-HBs HBeAg Anti-HBe Anti-HBc
What is the Hepatitis B Profile Test?
The Hepatitis B Profile is a group of blood tests that, read side by side, describe your exact relationship with the hepatitis B virus. A single HBsAg test can only say whether the virus’s surface protein is in your blood today. This profile adds the antibodies and markers that show how the infection has behaved over time. It covers HBsAg, its protective antibody anti-HBs, the e antigen (HBeAg) and its antibody anti-HBe, and the core antibody anti-HBc, which appears only after real infection and never from vaccination.
The pattern answers questions that matter for care. It can show whether an infection is new or long-standing, whether someone has cleared the virus naturally, and whether they are protected through vaccination. It can also show whether a person has never met the virus and should be vaccinated. Doctors order it after a positive HBsAg screen, for unexplained liver problems, in family members of an infected person, and before treatments that weaken immunity, since an old infection can flare up. Results are confidential, and hepatitis B is a medical condition that deserves care, not judgement.
What it measures: Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody, e antigen and antibody, and core antibody, interpreted together as a pattern.
Parameters included (5)
- HBsAg (Surface Antigen)
- Anti-HBs (Surface Antibody)
- HBeAg (e Antigen)
- Anti-HBe (e Antibody)
- Anti-HBc (Core Antibody)
Why is this test done?
- Following up a reactive HBsAg screening result
- Raised liver enzymes or jaundice without a clear cause
- Testing spouses and family members of a person with hepatitis B
- Before chemotherapy, biologics, a transplant or long-term steroids, as old hepatitis B can reactivate
- Checking whether you are immune or still need the vaccine
When should you get tested?
- Usually no symptoms, even in long-term infection
- Yellow eyes or skin with dark urine
- Persistent tiredness and poor appetite
- Discomfort under the right ribs
- A family member diagnosed with hepatitis B
How to prepare for the Hepatitis B Profile Test
- 1You may eat and drink normally before the sample.
- 2Bring any earlier HBsAg, liver function or hepatitis B DNA reports for comparison.
- 3Mention your hepatitis B vaccination history, including the number of doses and when they were given.
- 4Tell the staff about any immune-lowering medicines or planned chemotherapy.
Hepatitis B Profile Test normal range
| Parameter | Typical reference range |
|---|---|
| Never infected, not vaccinated | All markers non-reactive. Vaccination is usually advised |
| Protected by vaccination | Anti-HBs reactive, with HBsAg and anti-HBc non-reactive |
| Past infection, now cleared | Anti-HBc reactive and anti-HBs reactive, with HBsAg non-reactive |
| Current infection | HBsAg reactive and anti-HBc reactive. HBeAg or anti-HBe shows how active the virus is |
| Isolated core antibody | Only anti-HBc reactive, which needs a doctor’s interpretation and sometimes further tests |
Results are reported as Reactive or Non-reactive, and anti-HBs may be given as a number, where 10 mIU/mL or more is generally considered protective. The interpretation printed by the lab takes precedence. Ranges are typical adult values and vary between labs, age and sex. Always use the range printed on your report and discuss results with your doctor.
Understanding your results
- HBsAg that stays reactive for more than 6 months points to chronic hepatitis B, which needs regular monitoring with a liver specialist or physician.
- Doctors judge whether treatment is needed using HBV DNA, liver enzymes and liver scans, not this profile alone.
- Anyone with a reactive core antibody needs to tell doctors before chemotherapy or strong immune-suppressing treatment, as the virus can reawaken.
- Household contacts and sexual partners of an infected person should be tested and vaccinated if not immune.
- Avoiding alcohol and asking your doctor before taking herbal or over-the-counter medicines helps protect the liver.
Hepatitis B Profile Test – FAQs
What is the price of the Hepatitis B Profile Test?
The Hepatitis B Profile Test costs ₹4,000 at Live Line Health Care, at all 45 centres and for home sample collection.
Which tests are included in a hepatitis B profile?
It brings together HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe and anti-HBc. Each marker shows a different stage of infection or immunity. Read as a pattern, they describe your hepatitis B status far better than any single test. Check your report for the exact list.
What is the difference between HBsAg and the hepatitis B profile?
HBsAg is one screening test that shows whether the virus is present now. The profile adds antibodies and e markers, showing whether infection is new, chronic or cleared, and whether you are protected by vaccination. It is usually ordered after a reactive HBsAg.
Can the profile tell if my hepatitis B vaccine worked?
Yes. If anti-HBs is reactive and anti-HBc is non-reactive, your protection came from the vaccine. Many doctors check anti-HBs a few weeks after the last dose in health workers and others at high risk. Your doctor can advise whether you need a booster.
What does anti-HBc positive with HBsAg negative mean?
It means you have had hepatitis B at some time. If anti-HBs is also reactive, you have most likely cleared the infection and are immune. If it is not, your doctor may order further tests, especially before any immune-lowering treatment.
Does a positive hepatitis B profile mean I need medicines?
Not always. Many people with chronic hepatitis B need regular monitoring rather than immediate treatment. Doctors decide using HBV DNA, liver enzymes and liver scans along with this profile. Please follow up with a physician or liver specialist.
Where can I get the Hepatitis B Profile Test done?
At any of our 45 Live Line Health Care centres in 40 cities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Kakinada and Nellore, or book home sample collection.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor to interpret your results and before starting or changing any treatment.