Hepatitis B screening

A MinuteClinic provider will conduct a medical history and physical examination. They may also order lab tests as needed to identify the cause of symptoms. Patients who self-report or show signs of sexual assault or test positive for hepatitis B will be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and management.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

   If you made your appointment online
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic® Virtual Care appointment
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for th visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you will be provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Consider scheduling a MinuteClinic® visit if you have a higher risk of contracting hepatitis B as outlined above and as   recommended by the CDC.

If you have concerning symptoms or believe you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B, a MinuteClinic® provider can order a screening test. If necessary, a MinuteClinic® provider can refer you to another health care provider for treatment.

Hepatitis B symptoms include:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (also known as jaundice)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint or abdominal pain or tenderness
• Dark urine and discolored bowel movements
• Fever and chills

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus which can be transmitted in different ways, including:

• Sexual contact: Unprotected sexual contact is the primary way people contract hepatitis B.
• Sharing contaminated needles and syringes: You can contract hepatitis B if you come in contact with the blood of an infected person through a used needle. This can happen when getting a tattoo, piercing or acupuncture or from intravenous drug use.
• Transmission during childbirth: If you are pregnant and have hepatitis B, you can pass the disease to your child during birth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults age 18 or older get a hepatitis B screening at least once in their lifetime. Screenings are especially important for those with the following risk factors:

• People born in certain countries where hepatitis B is common
• People born in the United States who did not receive the hepatitis B vaccine as an infant and whose parents were born in countries with high rates of hepatitis B
• Men who have sex with men
• People with a history of or current sexually transmitted infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or multiple sex partners
• People who require immunosuppressive therapy
• Those who are pregnant
• People who inject drugs
• Infants born to a hepatitis B-positive parent
• People with elevated liver enzymes
• People formerly incarcerated

There are two types of hepatitis B:

• Acute hepatitis B is a short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after you contract the hepatitis B virus. Some people will have no symptoms of acute hepatitis B or will experience mild illness. However, others may experience a more severe illness requiring hospitalization.
• Chronic hepatitis B is an infection that can last more than 6 months and cause serious health problems, including liver cancer and cirrhosis.

A 3-panel blood test, which tests for antigens and antibodies can detect hepatitis B as early as one week after exposure and up to potentially 6 months after exposure. This will depend on when you were exposed to the virus, as well as the severity and type of hepatitis B you may have contracted.

Depending on your results and overall immunity factor, you may need follow-up testing and additional treatment options.