Advice for the interpretation of Hepatitis B surface antibody (Immunity) testing:

 Samples taken 8 wks after the initial course:

Antibody level = <10 miu/ml.

NON-RESPONDER

HBsAg and Anti-HBc marker testing recommended. If required, please submit a further sample. Patients negative for these markers should be given a repeat course of vaccine followed by retesting of antibody levels after 3 months.

Antibody level = 11-99 miu/ml.

POOR RESPONDER

Advisable to offer a booster dose and to retest level 3 months later.

Antibody level = >100miu/ml

GOOD RESPONDER

Antibody levels wane with time and although likely to be duration of protection afforded is unknown. Consider administering a booster dose in 5 years.

Samples taken 8 weeks after a single booster:

Antibody level = <10miu/ml.

NON-RESPONDER

Advisable to give one more booster dose and to retest level 3 months later.

Antibody level = 11-99miu/ml.

POOR RESPONDER

Advisable to give one more booster dose and      to retest level 3 months later.

Antibody level = >100miu/ml.

GOOD RESPONDER

Antibody levels wane with time and although likely to be long term, the duration of protection afforded is unknown. Consider administering a booster dose in 5 years.

Samples taken 8 weeks after a second booster:

Antibody level = <10miu/ml.

NON RESPONDER

Further booster doses are unlikely to be beneficial. Do you wish to check for the presence of Anti HBc? This sample will be retained pending a request for Anti-HBc testing if considered helpful in assessing this patient's Hepatitis B status.

Antibody level = 11-99miu/ml.

POOR RESPONDER

Antibody levels wane with time and although likely to be long term, the duration of protection afforded is unknown. Consider administering a booster dose in 3 years.

Antibody level = >100miu/ml.

GOOD RESPONDER

Antibody levels wane with time and although likely to be long term, the duration of protection afforded is unknown. Consider administering a booster dose in 5 years.

Samples tested 5 years after vaccination:

Antibody level = <10miu/ml

NON-RESPONDER

Advisable to give one more booster dose and to retest level 3 months later.

Antibody level = 11-99miu/ml

POOR RESPONDER

Advisable to give one more booster dose and retest level 3 months later.

Antibody level = >100miu/ml.

GOOD RESPONDER

Antibody levels wane with time and although likely to be long term, the duration of protection afforded is unknown. Consider administering a booster dose in 5 years.