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Hepatitis B e antigen

Infection and immunity tests · also printed as HBeAg, Hep B e antigen, Hepatitis B e Ag, HBe antigen, Hep B eAg

Typical UK adult rangeExpected result: Negative

Negative is the usual result in someone who has never had hepatitis B; in a carrier it shows a less active phase.

What this test measures

Hepatitis B e antigen is a protein made when the hepatitis B virus is multiplying actively. It is measured in people known to carry the virus.

Why doctors request it

Part of the assessment of chronic hepatitis B by liver specialists.

What commonly pushes it up

Active viral replication in chronic hepatitis B

What commonly pushes it down

A negative result is the usual finding

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Low-level positives occur in the general population and are read with the clinical picture
Thresholds differ between laboratories

About the sample

No fasting needed.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

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This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.