Hepatitis B titer low?

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I asked my Dr to run a test for hepatitis b and c.

Hep C came back negative.

The test he ran was called Hepatitis B surface ab quan.

Beside the test was listed 8.3...which I'm guessing is low.

Here's the stressful part. I've worked in a nursing home for two years tons of hepatitis . And my job didn't give me the vaccines at the time because they asked me was I ever vaccinated and I told them a few years ago and they wouldn't do it. So young and dumb I just went with the flow. Does a low titer and being a healthcare worker not protected means I'm at huge risk? I asked for a hep b test but he didn't do it only the titer. I'm asking because I'm wrecking my nerves and I don't hear from my Dr until Monday ...thanks

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Specializes in ICU.

Hep B is still a bloodborne disease, so I would say you are not at unusually high risk of contracting it even if you are not immune unless you are exceptionally clumsy and get a lot of needle sticks or routinely get patient blood all over your open sores. Don't sweat it too hard. Even if your job won't revaccinate you, you can always head over to Walgreens or CVS and get revaccinated there instead.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I don't know that 8 is low. What is the reference range?

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HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIBODY, QUANTITATIVE

Unvaccinated:

Vaccinated: > or =12.0 mIU/mL

From another source: For hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), a level less than 5 mIU is considered negative, while a level more than 12 mIU is considered protective. Any value between 5 and 12 mIU is indeterminate and should be repeated.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

You need to contact your provider Monday and ask. There are many reference ranges so need to know that before a decision can be made to re vaccinate or not. Take care and don't worry.

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Specializes in L&D.

I would go through the hep b series again....very expensive...so find out if your facility will pay for it. Mine will. I have had I think 3 series and my titers are still low, so the vax is ineffective for me.

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Definitely ask your employer if they will pay for it should you decide you need to revaccinate.

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I have had the vaccination series 3 times and my titers still show low as if I have never been vaccinated. I've been advised to just be cautious.

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Specializes in Critical care.

I had to be revaccinated for nursing school because my titers against Hep B were low. I have to wonder if that second series did the job or not.

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Thanks everyone! I really really appreciate it . I just thought since the titers were really low and since I work in a place were its coming it means...you know.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I just thought since the titers were really low and since I work in a place were its coming it means...you know.

No, I don't. Can you clarify? Based on what AspiringCNM wrote, it appears that your titers are equivocal. You may want to repeat the series and see if you seroconvert.

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That its a big chance you contracted hep b.

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