Hepatitis B screening: who should get tested

When it starts, when it can stop

Starts: At 18 in this planner (the recommendation also covers adolescents), for people at increased risk. (USPSTF, 2020)
Can stop: No upper age limit; repeat while the risk continues. (USPSTF, 2020)

Who it is for

Adolescents and adults at increased risk for hepatitis B infection, including people who were vaccinated before being screened. (USPSTF, 2020)

In My Screening Plan this shows under "Also ask your doctor about" for everyone in the age range. The planner does not ask about these risk factors, so nothing about them is entered or stored.

Test and how often

A hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) blood test, with a confirmatory test if it is reactive. (USPSTF, 2020)
Repeat from time to time for people whose risk continues, such as current injection drug use or men who have sex with men. (USPSTF, 2020)

USPSTF and CDC: two different recommendations

Hepatitis B screening: USPSTF 2020 compared with CDC 2023
	USPSTF (December 15, 2020)	CDC (March 10, 2023)
Who	Adolescents and adults at increased risk	All adults 18 or older, at least once in a lifetime
Test	HBsAg, with a confirmatory test if reactive	A triple panel: HBsAg, anti-HBs and total anti-HBc
Repeat	From time to time while risk continues	From time to time while risk continues, for people not immune

The two recommendations differ. The USPSTF grade B covers people at increased risk. The CDC, writing later, recommends a test for every adult at least once, and also says anyone who asks for a hepatitis B test should get one, whether or not they say why. (USPSTF, 2020) (CDC, 2023)

This site follows the USPSTF grade A and B list, so the planner shows hepatitis B under "Also ask your doctor about". If you have never been tested, ask your doctor which test fits you. Read more: how this site chooses screenings.

Questions people ask

Should every adult be tested for hepatitis B?

The CDC (2023) says yes: all adults 18 or older at least once, with a triple panel. The USPSTF (2020) recommends screening people at increased risk. The two differ; ask your doctor which applies to you. (CDC, 2023) (USPSTF, 2020)

What is the hepatitis B triple panel?

Three blood tests the CDC recommends together for the one-time adult screen: HBsAg, anti-HBs and total anti-HBc. Together they can show whether you have an active infection, had an infection that resolved, are not protected and need a vaccine, or are vaccinated. (CDC, 2023)

Who should be tested for hepatitis B?

The USPSTF lists people born in countries and regions where hepatitis B is common (2% or more), such as Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and parts of South America; US-born people not vaccinated as infants whose parents were born where it is very common (8% or more); people with HIV; people who inject drugs; men who have sex with men; and household contacts or sex partners of people with hepatitis B. (USPSTF, 2020)

I was vaccinated. Do I still need a test?

If you are in a risk group, possibly. The USPSTF recommendation includes people who were vaccinated before they were ever screened. (USPSTF, 2020)

How often should you be tested?

Once for most people in a risk group, and again from time to time if the risk continues, for example current injection drug use. (USPSTF, 2020)

Does Medicare cover hepatitis B screening?

Yes, when your provider orders it and you are at high risk (or pregnant): once a year if you stay at high risk and do not get a hepatitis B vaccine. You pay nothing if the provider accepts assignment. (Medicare.gov)

Source

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, "Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Adolescents and Adults: Screening", final recommendation released December 15, 2020. Read it on uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. Checked against the live page on 2026-10-27.