There are many issues you need to be aware of when adopting a child.
Many people wish to adopt children from countries other than the United States.
Children from these regions are often infected with the virus from their birth mothers who have HBV and unknowingly pass the disease on to their children during delivery. Children of intravenous drug users are also at risk for being carriers of HBV, as their mothers can pass the disease on to them at birth. However, results of the test should not adversely influence your decision to adopt. If you are concerned about the results of the test, you can contact the Hepatitis B Foundation to speak with a parent who has adopted a child with HBV, or you can join a support group in your area. Finding out that the child you wish to adopt is a carrier of HBV can be upsetting, but should not be a cause for alarm.