False positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen due to recent vaccination

Abstract

Objective:

Hepatitis B is the most common viral hepatitis, potentially life threatening, with long term complications. Currently, vaccine is the most effective tool against hepatitis B infection.  It is worthwhile mentioning that due to rampant use of hepatitis B vaccine (HBV), there have been concerns about hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reactivity. This article aims to report the false positive results of HBsAg due to recent HBV among healthy male adults.

Subjects and Methods:

The subjects were selected from a Community Health Center, under the umbrella of a tertiary care hospital, Saudi Arabia. The data was retrieved from electronic medical records maintained at the clinic.

Results:

A total of 130 employees were recruited, only 117 records could be retrieved from the system. The mean age of participants was 31.34 + 12.73 years. The administration of HBV and HBsAg test was performed simultaneously. The lab reported three cases of HBsAg positivity, a false positive result of 2.56%. Repeat testing after one week for HBsAg was negative for the three cases.

Conclusion:

This study confirmed that HBsAg reactivity might be seen in regular screening programs for healthy adults.

Anjum, Q. (2014). False positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen due to recent vaccination. International Journal of Health Sciences, 8(2). Retrieved from https://pub.qu.edu.sa/index.php/journal/article/view/759
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