Hepatitis B antigen: a review of its importance in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology.

Surgeons engaged in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology should have a clear understanding of the hepatitis B antigen (Australia antigen) serologic test. When positive, it serves as a marker either for the carrier state or for subclinical to overt hepatitis B (serum hepatitis). Patients or health personnel with a positive test are potentially infectious and appropriate precautions should be taken. Surgeons are at increased risk for hepatitis B and, when acutely exposed, should receive standard serum globulin, or perhaps high-titer hepatitis B immune globulin in the future. Infants born to mothers with a positive test may become hepatitis B antigen positive and develop chronic hepatitis.