Hepatitis B: For health professionals
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Screening and diagnosis
Serologic antigen and antibody tests are available to screen for and diagnose hepatitis B infection. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) are used to detect hepatitis B virus DNA.
Routine screening during pregnancy is recommended.
Guidelines around serologic testing pre- and post-immunisation can be found in the Canadian Immunization Guide.
Treatment
Several antiviral treatments have been approved by Health Canada to treat chronic hepatitis B infection. These medications aim to prevent liver disease progression, reduce morbidity and improve survival. Treating a hepatitis B infection can be complex, as treatment indications and recommended regimens can change as new research and evidence becomes available. Consult a colleague experienced in hepatitis B care, including liver specialists and infectious disease specialists, to assess whether treatment is indicated. Certain populations like pregnant people and children require consultation with specialists experienced in hepatitis B care.
Surveillance
Refer to STBBI surveillance for the latest information on surveillance resources and publications for hepatitis B.