Which set of laboratory tests comprises all the pertinent Hepatitis B labs?

• A. HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, HBV DNA
• B. HBsAg, anti-HBs
• C. anti-HBs, HBV DNA
• D. HBsAg only

Answer: (A)

Understanding Hepatitis B testing requires capturing infection status, exposure, immunity, and viral replication. HBsAg shows current infection, whether acute or chronic. Anti-HBc indicates prior or ongoing exposure to HBV and helps distinguish infection stages when interpreted with other markers. Anti-HBs signals immunity, either from vaccination or recovery from infection. HBV DNA measures viral replication, confirming active viremia and guiding treatment decisions.

Having all four markers together provides a complete picture: who is currently infected, who has been exposed, who is immune, and how actively the virus is replicating. Panels that omit one of these markers miss important information—for example, HBsAg alone can’t reveal immunity or past exposure, and HBV DNA without context doesn’t tell you the infection status.