Hepatitis B Virus: Serology

Hepatitis B is a viral infection affecting the liver. The disease goes through different phases, which can be diagnosed by serology. Diagnostic testing comprises the three most important parameters: HBs antigen, anti-HBs antibody, and anti-HBc antibody. These three parameters can be used to identify active infection, previous infection, and status after vaccination. In addition, anti-HBc IgM antibodies can be used to confirm acute infection. An interactive version of this ChalkTalk episode can be found at: