Hepatitis B profile heath test

The Hepatitis B Profile is a venous-blood laboratory test panel that measures Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs / immunity) and Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc IgG/IgM) to determine current infection, past infection or vaccine-induced immunity, booked at Ways Pharmacy (UK).

Key facts

Who it is for

• People who have been potentially exposed to Hepatitis B through unprotected sex, needle-stick, shared needles or non-sterile tattooing
• People born in or with family origins in regions of higher Hepatitis B prevalence (parts of East and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa) seeking baseline screening
• Household and sexual contacts of someone who is HBsAg-positive
• People who have completed a Hepatitis B vaccination course and want to confirm protective antibody response (anti-HBs)
• Healthcare workers, NHS trainees and overseas-trained clinicians who need documentation of Hepatitis B status
• People planning pregnancy, fertility treatment, or international relocation who need baseline serology

Not suitable for: people with acute jaundice or suspected severe liver failure (seek urgent medical care); people testing immediately after exposure — Hepatitis B surface antigen takes on average 4 weeks (range 1–9 weeks) after exposure to become detectable, so timing matters; use as a Hepatitis C, D or HIV screen — those require separate tests.

How the service works

1. Complete payment online and call Ways Pharmacy Holborn London on 020 8106 7084 to book a sample-collection appointment.
2. Attend the Holborn branch (77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET). A venous blood sample is collected by a trained phlebotomist. No fasting is required.
3. The sample is sent to the partner laboratory for serology analysis.
4. Results are returned in approximately 3–5 working days. You will receive a written report covering HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc with a plain-English interpretation of what the combination means.
5. If HBsAg is positive, the pharmacist will explain the next steps and refer you to your GP or an NHS hepatology / sexual health clinic for confirmatory testing and management.

How to interpret the result combinations

• HBsAg negative · anti-HBs positive · anti-HBc negative — typically indicates vaccine-induced immunity
• HBsAg negative · anti-HBs positive · anti-HBc positive — typically indicates past infection that has resolved, with immunity
• HBsAg positive · anti-HBc positive (IgM) — suggests acute infection; requires confirmation and specialist follow-up
• HBsAg positive · anti-HBc positive (IgG) — suggests chronic infection; requires specialist follow-up
• All negative — no evidence of past infection or immunity; vaccination may be appropriate

The pharmacist will explain your specific result combination.

Frequently asked questions

How soon after exposure should I test?

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) can be detected as early as 1 week and as late as 9 weeks after exposure, with an average of about 4 weeks. Testing too early after exposure can give a false negative. If a recent high-risk exposure is suspected, the pharmacist may advise initial testing and a repeat test at the 12-week mark.

What does it mean if my HBsAg is positive?

A positive HBsAg result means the Hepatitis B virus is present in your blood, and you can transmit the virus. Further testing is needed to determine whether this is a new (acute) infection or a chronic (long-standing) infection. We will explain the result and refer you to your GP or an NHS hepatology or sexual health clinic for confirmatory testing and management.

Does this test show whether I am protected by my vaccine?

Yes. The anti-HBs (surface antibody) result indicates whether you have a measurable protective antibody response. A level of 10 mIU/mL or higher after a completed vaccination course is generally considered protective; the lab report will state the numeric level.

Is the test confidential?

Yes. Booking, sample collection and result delivery are all handled confidentially. Results are not shared with your GP without your explicit consent.

Will the result be sent to my GP?

Not automatically. You can request a copy be sent to your GP for inclusion in your medical record, especially useful if the result will inform vaccination or specialist referral.

Can this test diagnose Hepatitis C or HIV?

No. This is a Hepatitis B serology panel only. Hepatitis C, HIV and other bloodborne infections require separate tests, which can be booked alongside this one if needed.

Safety

• Sample collection by GPhC-registered staff in a private consulting room
• Single-use sterile equipment for all blood draws
• UKAS-accredited partner laboratory
• Confirmed positive results are referred to NHS specialist services for treatment

References

• NHS — Hepatitis B
• NHS — Hepatitis B vaccine
• UK Health Security Agency — Hepatitis B Green Book chapter

This is a private laboratory screening service. Positive results require confirmatory testing and clinical management through an NHS specialist service. Test timing relative to exposure affects accuracy.