What should you know about what hepatitis B is also known as?

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, while B identifies the virus involved. You may see HBV on laboratory reports or in clinic notes. The terms hepatitis B, HBV infection, and hepatitis B virus infection refer to the same infection, although a report may separately describe whether it is recent or ongoing.

The illness can be short-lived or persist. Some people have no symptoms; others develop fatigue, nausea, discomfort in the upper right abdomen, yellowing of the eyes, or dark urine. A positive test needs clinical interpretation rather than a conclusion based on a symptom. Read more about [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/).

If you see HBV on a result, ask which test was positive and whether further blood tests are needed. Clinicians may assess viral markers and liver health, including a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/). Bring previous results and your vaccination history to the appointment.

Avoid sharing items that may carry blood, and discuss testing or vaccination for close contacts. [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/) prevents infection but is not a treatment for established HBV.

Arrange prompt medical review after a possible blood or sexual exposure or an unexpected HBV result. Seek urgent help for confusion, severe vomiting, yellow skin or eyes with worsening illness, unusual bleeding, or a swollen abdomen. Dark urine and fatigue can have several causes; see [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) and [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) for general information.

Ask what HBV means on your report, whether the infection is recent or ongoing, what your liver tests show, and whether anyone close to you should be vaccinated.