Question

What does it mean if you are "negative hepatitis b surface antigen"?

Answer 1

It means you are most likely not infected with the Hepatitis B Virus (one of the five Hepatitis viruses)

Explanation:

The serological test for Hepatitis B virus tests for the presence of the surface antigens of the Hepatitis B virus. These surface antigens are protein markers on the virus coat that cause your body's immune system to produce specific antibodies to the infection.

Since Hepatitis B virus surface antigens appear in your blood within a few weeks after infection, it is possible to get a negative test if it is done early. A second test might be called for to verify the first.

If the second test is also negative, it means that you have not been infected by the Hepatitis B virus.