Anti Hepatitis B Envelope Antibody (AHBe) -Total

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The Anti-HBe test detects antibodies produced in response to the Hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg), a marker of viral replication

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Anti Hepatitis B Envelope Antibody (AHBe) - Total

Why is it done?
- Detects antibodies against hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), which indicates immune response to hepatitis B virus infection
- Assesses stage and progression of chronic hepatitis B infection
- Determines viral replication status and infectivity levels
- Monitors response to antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B
- Evaluates recovery from acute hepatitis B infection
- Part of comprehensive hepatitis B serological panel (HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc)
- Typically performed during initial evaluation of suspected hepatitis B or as part of routine screening protocols
Normal Range
- Negative Result: < 0.5 mIU/mL or reported as "Not Detected" or "Negative"
- Positive Result: ≥ 0.5 mIU/mL or reported as "Positive" or "Detected"
- Units: mIU/mL (milli-International Units per milliliter) or S/CO (Signal-to-Cutoff ratio)
- Interpretation: Negative anti-HBe typically indicates presence of HBeAg (active viral replication) or absence of hepatitis B infection. Positive anti-HBe suggests clearance of HBeAg and lower infectivity level.
- Borderline Values: Results near cutoff may require repeat testing or confirmation with additional hepatitis B markers
Interpretation
- Anti-HBe Positive + HBsAg Positive: Indicates chronic hepatitis B with HBeAg clearance or HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B; associated with lower viral replication and reduced infectivity but chronic infection persists
- Anti-HBe Negative + HBsAg Positive + HBeAg Positive: Indicates HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B with active viral replication; higher infectivity and greater risk of transmission
- Anti-HBe Positive + HBsAg Negative + Anti-HBs Positive: Indicates recovery from acute hepatitis B with immunity; patient has cleared infection and developed protective antibodies
- Anti-HBe Negative + HBsAg Negative + Anti-HBc Negative: Indicates no hepatitis B infection or immunity; patient may be susceptible and candidate for vaccination
- Occult Hepatitis B (Anti-HBe Positive + HBsAg Negative + Anti-HBc Positive): Indicates resolved infection with persistent HBV DNA; virus may reactivate under immunosuppression
- Factors Affecting Results: Timing of infection, immune status, antiretroviral therapy, immunosuppressive medications, co-infections (HIV, HCV), viral genotype, and stage of disease progression
- Window Period: Brief period during acute infection when HBsAg clears but anti-HBs not yet developed; HBV DNA and anti-HBc may be only positive markers
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ: Liver - hepatitis B virus primarily infects hepatocytes
- Associated Conditions - Acute Hepatitis B: Jaundice, hepatomegaly, elevated liver enzymes, fulminant hepatic failure (rare)
- Associated Conditions - Chronic Hepatitis B: Cirrhosis, fibrosis, portal hypertension, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure
- Extrahepatic Manifestations: Polyarteritis nodosa, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, cryoglobulinemia, arthritis, immune complex-mediated disease
- Related Organ Systems: Kidneys (glomerulonephritis), blood vessels (vasculitis), joints (arthropathy), nervous system (encephalopathy in advanced disease)
- Complications of Chronic Infection: Hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, variceal bleeding, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, renal failure, coagulopathy
Follow-up Tests
- Confirmatory Hepatitis B Serology Panel: HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBc (IgM and total), HBV DNA quantitation (viral load)
- Viral Load Assessment: HBV DNA PCR quantitative testing to assess active viral replication and guide antiviral therapy
- Liver Function Tests: ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time to assess liver function and damage
- Fibrosis Assessment: Liver biopsy, transient elastography (FibroScan), or fibrosis panel (FIB-4 index, platelet count) to assess cirrhosis risk
- Genotyping: HBV genotype determination (A-H) to guide antiviral therapy selection and predict disease progression
- Co-infection Screening: Anti-HIV, anti-HCV, anti-HDV testing in all HBsAg-positive patients
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound or CT imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in cirrhotic patients; typically ultrasound every 6 months plus AFP
- Monitoring Frequency: HBeAg-positive patients: every 3-6 months; HBeAg-negative patients: every 6-12 months; patients on antiviral therapy: more frequent monitoring initially, then every 6-12 months
- Post-Therapy Monitoring: Serial anti-HBe testing to confirm sustained virological response and assess durability of HBeAg clearance during and after antiviral therapy
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: No
- Food and Drink: No fasting restrictions; patient may eat and drink normally before blood draw
- Medications: No medications need to be withheld; continue all regular medications including antivirals unless specifically instructed otherwise by physician
- Sample Collection: Blood draw via venipuncture into appropriate serum separator tube (SST); typically 5-10 mL required
- Timing Considerations: No specific time of day required; morning collection preferred for consistency with other lab panels
- Special Instructions: Inform phlebotomist of any recent vaccinations or immunizations; avoid strenuous exercise immediately before blood draw if possible; remain seated for 5 minutes after draw to minimize dizziness

How our test process works!