Ranking Criteria Explained
Our comprehensive ranking system encompasses a wide variety of objective criteria implemented to identify the best hepatitis B tests on the market at any given time.
Our primary ranking factors include testing diversity, quality, and accuracy. Then, we check the overall competency of the staff, lab certifications and accreditations, company tradition and reputation, and FDA approvals. This helps us determine the reliability of the tests and the overall trustworthiness of their providers.
Client experience is also positioned highly on our list of priorities, so we pay great attention to average turnaround times, the overall simplicity of the testing procedure, the professionalism of the support staff, and the privacy policy. Lastly, we inspect the value provided for the money invested.
Our Top Picks
Our list of recommended STD testing options comprises of providers that received the highest scores throughout our ranking process. Read the following mini-reviews to learn more about our top picks and their testing options.
STDcheck
STDCheck is currently the best provider of online STD testing. The company features an A+ rating with the BBB and has a 7-year long tradition in providing its users with top-quality testing solutions.
When it comes to hepatitis B, STDCheck offers a stand-alone blood test that can detect the disease as early as 3 weeks after the initial infection, although the company doctors recommend waiting at least 6 weeks. The results are usually available within 1-2 business days and you can also schedule a doctor consultation over the phone if they come back positive. The price of the test is only 24.00$.
If you test positive for hepatitis B or suspect exposure to other STDs, you can also order the company’s 10 Test Panel, which covers HIV type 1 and 2 (antibody/antigen; 4th gen), hepatitis A/B/C, herpes type1 and 2, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. The panel costs 198.00$ or 349.00$ if you’d also like to include HIV RNA Early Detection Test.
Personalabs
Personalabs is an online testing laboratory in every sense of the word. The company chose the online setting as its testing ground and is currently one of the biggest online labs in the US. It’s also partnered with LabCorp to bring its users more than 2,300 testing centers nationwide.
The company’s testing portfolio is beyond impressive, so we’ll only mention some of the testing solutions designed to detect hepatitis B in your system. These include Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test (51.00$), Hepatitis B Virus DNA, Quantitative, PCR with Reflex to HBV, Genotype Blood Test (482.00$), Hepatitis B Profile Blood Test (155.00$), Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total (54.00$), Acute Hepatitis Profile Blood Test (110.00$), Hepatitis Be Antibody Blood Test (169.00$), Hepatitis B Core Antibody Blood Test (58.00$), Hepatitis Be Antigen Blood Test (186.00$), Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Quantitative Blood Test (58.00$), and many other testing solutions. The results are usually available within 2-3 business days (7-10 days for more complicated tests).
STD Testing 24/7
STD Testing 24/7 is a well-known STD testing provider famous for its business hours. The company provides its users with top-quality screening options, doctor’s consultations, useful information, and actionable advice. It currently operates more than 4,000 testing centers all across the US.
When it comes to hepatitis B, the company offers its Surface Antigen Test (69.95) designed to detect both acute and chronic hep B infections. The results are available within 3 business days or less.
If your results come back positive, you can also order its 8 Test Panel (199.95$) that screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C, herpes 1 and 2, syphilis, and HIV (antibody). You can include HIV Early Detection as well, which raises the price of the panel to 299.95$.
Any Lab Test Now
Any Lab Test Now is a respected STD testing provider with more than 160 stores all over the US. It should be noted that all stores are independently owned and operated.
The company offers a stand-alone hepatitis B test (surface antigen) for 49.00$. The lab results are usually ready between 24-72 business hours after your biological specimen is collected. You can also order the company’s comprehensive hepatitis panel, which covers hep A, B, and C. The price of the panel is 129.00$. Lastly, if your results come back positive, you can perform STD screening for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B/C, and herpes 1 and 2. The price of the panel is 229.00$ and the final report is generated within 24-48 hours.
PlushCare
PlushCare was launched in 2014 as a testing provider dedicated to urgent care and internal medicine with the possibility of online doctor’s visits. The company also takes advantage of the latest breakthroughs in the field of telemedicine. It’s currently best known for its high-quality service and budget-friendly pricing policy.
PlushCare offers hepatitis B and C screening in a single test for 45.00$. Sample collection usually takes around 15-30 minutes and the results are sent to your email within 3 business days or less. If you test positive, the company’s physicians can provide you with a treatment plan.
You can also order all the tests in the company’s portfolio for just 199.00$. This includes chlamydia and gonorrhea, herpes 1 and 2, HIV Antibody, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.
Walk-In Lab
Walk-In Lab is a BBB-certified partnership launched in 2009 dedicated to providing its users with unique testing solutions you cannot find anywhere else on the market. The tests are offered below retail prices and complemented with a multitude of interesting features and high-quality service.
The company offers several testing solutions that screen for hepatitis B. These include Hepatitis B Blood Test Panel (150.00$), Hepatitis Blood Test Panel, Acute (89.00$), Hepatitis B Virus Blood Test, Quantitative, DNA Real-Time PCR (689.00$), Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test, IgM (23.00$), Hepatitis B Core Antibody Blood Test, IgM (23.00$), Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Qualitative (42.00$), Fighter or MMA Blood That Panel (84.00$), and STD #2 Essential Blood & Urine Test Panel, 9 Tests (199.00$), which screens for chlamydia, hepatitis A and B, HSV 1 and 2, HIV 1 and 2, and hepatitis C.
The testing procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes and the results are generated within 2-3 business days. More complicated tests can take up to 5 days.
Conclusion
As we already mentioned, many infected individuals will not experience any symptoms during the initial infection. If the person develops symptoms, however, they will manifest as a rapid onset of yellowish skin, tiredness, sickness with vomiting, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Secondary symptoms include mild fever, loss of appetite, and tan-colored bowel movements. These symptoms may appear 30 to 180 days after the initial infection and usually last a few weeks. People with chronic diseases may develop cirrhosis or even liver cancer and these complications result in the death of about 15-25% of the infected individuals.
The hepatitis B virus is usually transmitted through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of an infected individual. The risk of infection increases through unprotected sex with an infected individual, sharing of needles (usually to inject drugs), getting a piercing or tattoo with unsterilized tools, and sharing personal items like toothbrushes or razors with an infected person. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during delivery. This is why it’s essential to test all pregnant women for hepatitis B and give shots to the baby to prevent the infection. Note that you can’t get infected with hep B through casual contact such as sharing food or drinks, coughing, sneezing, hugging, and kissing.
Hepatitis B is diagnosed with a simple blood test that will tell your doctor if you’re currently infected or if you had hep B in the past. The test will also reveal whether you received any vaccination to prevent the virus. Additionally, if your doctor has reason to suspect liver damage, they may also perform a liver biopsy to inspect the overall functionality of your liver. Hep B will go away on its own in most cases and its symptoms can be relieved by eating healthy foods, resting, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and drinking plenty of water. Treatment for chronic hep B depends on the state of the infection and whether the individual has already suffered liver damage. There are medications for chronic hep B, but they should only be administered by your physician.
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get vaccinated. The procedure requires 3 or 4 shots and you can opt for a combination vaccine, which will also protect you from hepatitis A. To avoid infection, you should always use a condom when you have sex, avoid sharing needles, razors or toothbrushes, use gloves if you touch blood, and avoid questionable piercing and tattoo parlors.