Hepatitis B tests, what do they mean?

Question

I have two Hepatitis B test results which I took in Guatemala:

Antibody Hepatitis B Core Total: Negative

anti-HBs: 120

(the document states

NEGATIVE: <10

SEROCONVERSION: 10-100

SEROPROTECCION: >100 )

One doctor told me through the phone that I don't need to get another protective vaccine again in my life, for hep B.

Is this true?

Answer 1

Your results indicate that you have a protective level of anti-HBV antibody (anti HBs result).  The fact that you do not have Ab against the HB core protein, this says that you were never infected by the hepatitis B virus, but that your immunity is due to previous vaccination.  A person who was previously or currently infected would have both antibodies.  You probably will never need another vaccine, but if you engage in risky behavior, another Ab titer later in life might be a good idea.

Answer 2

Listen to your Dr.