Information for the public
Monitoring
Monitoring
People who do not need drug treatment
Adults with 'immune-tolerant' chronic hepatitis B
'Immune-tolerant' chronic hepatitis B is the name given to an early stage in the disease process, in which the hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be found in the bloodstream but the liver is working normally with no evidence of inflammation or damage. Adults with immune-tolerant disease should have liver function tests every 6 months. If the results of these tests change, testing should become more frequent (every 3 months).
Adults with 'inactive' chronic hepatitis B
'Inactive' chronic hepatitis B is a form of the disease in which there are no obvious signs or symptoms of liver disease and the amount of virus in the bloodstream (viral load) is low. Adults with inactive disease should have annual liver function and viral load tests.
Children and young people
Children and young people whose liver is working normally and have no sign of significant liver disease (fibrosis) should have liver function tests every 3 months if they test positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg).
Children and young people who test negative for HBeAg should be seen annually by their hepatitis doctor so long as they have no significant symptoms. If the amount of HBV in their bloodstream (viral load) rises or liver tests become abnormal, this check-up should take place every 3 months.
People who are taking drug treatment
If you begin antiviral treatment you will need to see your hepatitis doctor or nurse more often than usual. After initial tests show your treatment is working and is not having any serious side effects, you will be able to visit the clinic less frequently.
If you are taking peginterferon alfa-2a you will need a check-up every week during the first month of treatment to look for side effects and to make sure you are injecting the drug correctly.
If you are taking drug treatment and your liver shows signs of failing (called decompensated liver disease) you will be seen weekly until your liver disease improves.
People who have stopped drug treatment
If you have undergone HBeAg seroconversion after taking drug treatment you should continue to be seen by your hepatitis doctor every 6 months to make sure the infection does not flare up again.
If you have undergone hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroconversion you should be seen annually. Testing positive for hepatitis surface antibody (anti-HBs) on 2 consecutive tests means that you have cleared the infection and no longer need specialist care.