Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody

The Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test is done to primarily screen and diagnose acute or chronic hepatitis B virus infection. It is also done to detect previously resolved hepatitis B infection and to monitor the treatment of hepatitis B infection.

The Hepatitis Bs (Surface) Antibody test measures the antibodies that are produced against the hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis is characterized by inflammation which can also cause enlargement of the liver. HBV is one of the five viruses of hepatitis. The other hepatitis viruses types include hepatitis type A, C, D, and E. The hepatitis B virus spreads via contact with blood or other body fluids from the person who has already been infected. The exposure to hepatitis can occur through sharing of needles for intravenous drug use or by having unprotected sex. Traveling to areas where hepatitis B is prevalent can also cause risk to a person of getting infected through the hepatitis virus. In addition to that, if a mother is infected from the hepatitis virus then there are chances that the infection can be transmitted to the babies during or after birth. However, this virus does not get spread by casual contact such as holding hands, coughing, or sneezing.  

The hepatitis virus has the capability of surviving outside the body for up to seven days such as in dried blood or in items such as razors or toothbrushes of an infected person. Thus, sharing of these items should be avoided.

The HBV infections might show a mild form which lasts for a few weeks but in some cases the infection can develop into a serious chronic form which can last for years. There can be serious complications of chronic HBV such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. The various stages of hepatitis B include acute infection, chronic infection, carrier state, resolved or inactive infection, and reactivation.

In case of acute infection, the body shows presence of typical signs and symptoms with a positive HBV test.

In case of chronic infection, there is persistent infection with inflammation of liver. In such case the virus can be detected by laboratory tests. 

In carrier state, there is no liver inflammation but there is a persistent infection which can be determined by HBV test.

In resolved or inactive infection, there is no evidence of infection, viral antigen and DNA tests are negative, and there are no signs or symptoms of liver infection.

In reactivation form, there is return of HBV infection with liver damage in a person who had carrier or resolved or inactive infection. It commonly occurs in patients treated for cancer with chemotherapy treatment or taking immunosuppressive drugs which have been used to treat autoimmune diseases or following an organ transplant. It can also be seen in patients undergoing treatment for hepatitis C who have been exposed to HBV in the past.