Testing and Public Health Management of Persons with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
On September 19, 2008, CDC published updated and expanded guidelines for testing for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and recommendations for public health evaluation and management for chronically infected persons and their contacts. Serologic testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the primary way to identify persons with chronic HBV infection.
Testing for HBsAg is recommended for:
- persons born in geographic regions with HBsAg prevalence of ≥2%
- US born persons not vaccinated as infants whose parents were born in geographic regions with HBsAg prevalence of ≥8%
- persons who inject drugs
- men who have sex with men
- persons with elevated ALT/AST of unknown etiology
- persons with selected medical conditions who require immunosuppressive therapy
Testing continues to be recommended for:
- pregnant persons
- infants born to persons who test positive for HBsAg
- household contacts and sex partners of persons with HBV infection
- persons who are the source of blood or body fluid exposures that might warrant postexposure prophylaxis (e.g., needlestick injury to a health care worker)
- persons with HIV infection
Guidelines and Recommendations
Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination in Adults Aged 19–59 Years: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2022, MMWR 2022;71(13);477-483.
Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, MMWR 2018;67(1).
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for Use of a Hepatitis B Vaccine with a Novel Adjuvant, MMWR 2018;67(15);455–458.
Recommendations for Identification and Public Health Management of Persons with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection, MMWR 2008;57(RR-8)
Recommendations for Routine Testing and Vaccination for Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) Infection
Printable document pdf icon[PDF – 2 page]
AASLD Practice Guidelinesexternal icon
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021, MMWR 2021;70(No.4)pdf icon
CDC guidance on the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, including hepatitis B
Serology
Interpretation of Hepatitis B Serologic Test Results – Table pdf icon[PDF – 1 page]
Online Serology Training – Hepatitis A–E
Patient Education Tools
Title | English | Other Languages |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Hepatitis B – General Fact Sheet
|
PDFpdf icon | Spanishpdf icon |
Chronic Hepatitis B | ||
Hepatitis B – Are You at Risk?
|
PDFpdf icon | Chinesepdf icon |
When Someone Close to You has Hepatitis B
|
PDFpdf icon | Chinesepdf icon |