What is Hepatitis B Testing?
Hepatitis B testing is an STD blood test designed to identify the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the body and open-up routes for treatment. While it’s usually a short-term health problem and is preventable through vaccination, HBV can cause life-threatening health complications if left untreated.1
Though many health providers offer testing for hepatitis B, people often forgo it due to anticipated social or physical discomfort. At Priority STD Testing, we want you to be able to get tested without judgement or long waits. Our mission is to provide hepatitis B testing services with the level of privacy and comfort that you need.
ORDER
Purchase your lab order privately online or over the phone. The process is simple, quick, and secure. Our care counselors are available to answer any questions you may have or help schedule testing.
VISIT
Get tested same day at any of our 4,000 private locations, no appointment is needed after ordering. Our collection facilities are discreet, no other patients will know the reason for your visit.
RESULTS
Our test results are lightning fast and typically process in just 24-72 hours. You can access your results online through a secure patient login, or by calling one of our care counselors. Treatment options are available as well.
Getting tested for hepatitis B just got easier.
How Hepatitis B Testing Works
Our hepatitis B testing is a simple blood test administered at a CLIA-certified lab. This surface antigen test searches specifically for the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the blood. It provides a strict, accurate positive or negative result.
Not only are our tests FDA-approved, but they are provided at professional testing centers that value your privacy. Instead of uncomfortable phone calls, your test results are provided through our secure online portal, within 72 hours after your appointment.
Why Order Hepatitis B Testing
In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated around 21,600 acute hepatitis B cases in the US alone.2 While acute hepatitis is usually short-lived, chronic hepatitis can occur in untreated cases. If left unattended, HBV can cause health problems such as cirrhosis or liver disease.2 Pregnant mothers with HBV are also at risk of passing the infection onto their infant.
However, hepatitis B testing can provide you and your partner peace of mind. By getting tested regularly, treatment can be provided to avoid or mediate health complications. You are also less likely to unintentionally spread the virus to others.
When to Get Tested
Hepatitis B testing is recommended for at-risk individuals including those who:
- Have unprotected sex
- Are pregnant
- Share needles
- Donate blood
- Have not been vaccinated against HBV
- Have HBV symptoms
Our hepatitis B tests search for viral presence in the blood. If you get tested before the incubation period, it could reduce test accuracy. The incubation period for hepatitis B typically averages around 90 days.3 For this reason, it is best to get tested afterward this timeframe to ensure accurate results.
Hepatitis B Treatment
Getting tested for hepatitis B not only helps prevent spread of the virus but also opens routes for treatment. There is no cure for hepatitis B.4 But, acute HBV normally only lasts between 4 to 8 weeks, and specialized treatment may not be necessary. However, a chronic HBV infection can last a lifetime and usually requires treatment such as antivirals or liver transplant.5
Emergence of a previously inactive virus is possible. But is typically only seen in those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplantation or an autoimmune disease.6 And don’t forget–the HBV vaccination can help prevent infection from even beginning!
Everyone should have access to fast, accurate and reliable hepatitis B testing services. Amongst all the unknowns, a stressful testing process is the last thing you want to worry about. That is why Priority STD Testing keeps it simple.
Our hepatitis B tests can be ordered online or over the phone. In just 3 steps, you can order testing, find a local testing center, and receive results! To ensure the best testing experience possible, our care counselors are available to assist at every step and answer questions along the way.
Have Questions?
How accurate are my test results?
All of the tests we offer are FDA approved and performed in CLIA certified labs to ensure the highest level of accuracy. Some STDs require that you wait a period of time after sexual contact before getting tested. Each disease has a different latency period, so understanding when to test is important. If you have questions, our care counselors are happy to walk you through the process, start to finish.
Do I need to fast before getting tested?
No fasting is required for any type of test we offer. If you are testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, please ensure that you have not urinated for at least one hour prior to visiting the testing center.
Do you accept insurance?
To use your health insurance, we are able to provide all of the necessary information to file a self-claim. We utilize Quest Diagnostics which is the largest lab network in the nation, therefore most healthcare providers will offer some form of reimbursement. We will never directly bill your insurance to ensure your results are completely private and kept off of your permanent health record.
Can I switch STD testing sites?
Yes! Your lab order can be used at either Alexandria testing center, or at any Priority STD Testing center throughout Virginia. If you need to get tested in a different state after you’ve already placed an order, simply contact a care counselor.
Do you take walk-ins?
To get same day testing, simply purchase your lab order either online from our website or over the phone with one of our care counselors. Once your order has been placed, you can get tested immediately at any of our local and discreet collection facilities without an appointment. No other patients at the testing center will know your reason for visiting other than to give a routine urine and blood sample.
How do I get my test results?
Your test results are accessible through a secure login unique to your order, updated 24 hours a day including partial results. Once your final results are available, you'll be notified by email discreetly. Test results are expedited as a rush order and typically process just 24-72 hours after visiting the collection facility. If you have questions about your results or require a treatment consult, our care counselors are just a phone call away. Nothing will ever be sent to your home or healthcare provider to respect your privacy.
Do I need an appointment after ordering?
No appointments are required at the collection facility after you have ordered your test. Your lab order is valid for 90 days and can be used immediately once your order has been placed. Typically your entire visit will take no more than 15-30 minutes.
Is a swab required for testing?
Patients frequently ask if swabs are required for testing. Swab testing is not only uncomfortable, but also can be embarrassing. Our tests do not require a swab or any other type of visual examination. All that is needed is a simple urine and blood sample.
Sources
- “Hepatitis B – FAQs, Statistics, Data, & Guidelines.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, June 22, 2020. www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/index.htm
- “Hepatitis B Questions and Answers for Health Professionals.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, July 28, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/hcp/clinical-overview/
- “Hepatitis B Questions and Answers for Health Professionals.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, July 28, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/hcp/clinical-overview/
- “Hepatitis B – Symptoms and causes.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, September 4, 2020. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/symptoms-causes/syc-20366802
- “Hepatitis B – Diagnosis and treatment.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, September 4, 2020. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-b/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366821
- JH, Hoofnagle. “Reactivation of Hepatitis b.” Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.). U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed August 18, 2021. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19399803/.