ObjectiveTo analyze the influencing factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection screening in lymphoma patients prior to chemotherapy with a focus on HBV reactivation after chemotherapy. MethodsThe HBV infection screening data of 449 patients with lymphoma treated by chemotherapy between June 2010 and July 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsAmong the 449 patients, 387 (86.2%) were screened for HBV before initiation of chemotherapy, and patients with elevated aminotransferase levels were more likely to receive pre-chemotherapy HBV testing (OR=2.509, P=0.040). HBV reactivation was observed in 16.1% (9/56) of the HBsAg-positive patients after chemotherapy, and it was more likely to occur in patients with the use of rituximab (29.2% vs. 6.3%; P=0.030). Prophylactic antiviral therapy can significantly reduce the incidence of chemotherapy-induced HBV reactivation (12.0% vs. 50.0%; P=0.046). Two cases of reactivation occurred in patients who were HBsAg negative and hepatitis B core antibody positive. ConclusionHBV reactivation, especially for people with the use of rituximab, is a common complication in patients with HBV infection. HBV infection testing should be considered for lymphoma patients who were planned for chemotherapy. Prophylactic antiviral therapy can greatly decrease the incidence of HBV reactivation.