This is a common viral infection of the liver. It is usually detected incidentally. Left untreated it can lead to chronic liver damage, cirrhosis. It is also a risk factor for development of liver cancer. It is recommended that all individuals check for hepatitis B infection at least once in their lifetime. Not all patients with hepatitis B need treatment. Sometimes the virus is in a dormant phase and such patients can be monitored without any treatment. Pregnant ladies should also test for hepatitis B since it can be transmitted to the new-born.