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Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)

Also known as HBsAg Screening, HBsAg Screening Qualitative
510529 3% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. No special preparation is required.

Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)


What is Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)?

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) is a screening test to detect the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood. This test helps detect recent infection, previous exposure to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and helps monitor treatment response. 

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can spread through contact with infected body fluids like blood, saliva, vaginal fluids and semen. It can also be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth.

HBsAg is a protein on the surface of HBV that can be detected in high levels in serum during acute or chronic HBV infection. This antigen can be found in your blood within several weeks after the infection starts. It is one of the earliest markers of a hepatitis B infection. Most infected individuals do not exhibit any symptoms following initial infection. However, some common symptoms are fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, joint pain, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, and the yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice). The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious. Continued persistence of HBsAg may be seen in chronic carriers as well as patients with chronic hepatitis B.

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test is typically advised for individuals who show symptoms of acute hepatitis. Additionally, doctors may advise this test for individuals at higher risk of HBV infection, including those with a history of unprotected intercourse with multiple partners, injection drug users, healthcare workers exposed to blood or body fluids, as a part of routine checkups, preoperative and pre employment check ups, prior to vaccination and in infants born to mothers infected with HBV. Routine screening for HBsAg is also recommended for pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Early detection through the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test enables prompt intervention, including antiviral therapy, to manage the infection effectively and reduce the risk of complications such as liver cirrhosis or cancer.

No special preparation is needed for this test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine. However, inform the doctor about any medications that you are taking or if you have a history of any bleeding disorders or recent vaccinations, as these factors may influence the test results. Narrate your complete medical history to the doctor to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. 

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test utilizes an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay technology for the detection of HBsAg. The technology (CMIA/CLIA) can vary based on different machines available in different locations.

Lab test results require expert interpretation; therefore, never self-medicate at home solely based on these results and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results.

What is Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) used for?

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test is done to:

  • Detect current and past infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
  • Screen individuals at higher risk  of HBV infection such as healthcare workers, before an operative procedure etc. 
  • Screen individuals who show symptoms of acute hepatitis.
  • Facilitate prevention of HBV transmission to others, especially newborns or transplant recipients. 

What does Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) measure?

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test detects the presence of a specific protein on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the bloodstream. This protein, HBsAg, serves as a crucial marker for identifying HBV infection. This is a screening test and the diagnosis of any reactive HBsAg result relies on additional supplemental tests like anti-HBs antibody and total anti-HBc antibodies. Confirmation can be done using nucleic acid tests like HBV DNA by PCR. The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test is essential for identifying individuals who require medical intervention, such as antiviral therapy, and for implementing measures to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B virus to others. 

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)


Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)

Q. Why do I need the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test?

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test is needed to monitor the level of hepatitis B virus in individuals with chronic hepatitis B infection. It helps doctors assess the stage of infection, the response to antiviral therapy, and make guided treatment decisions.

Q. What are the symptoms of hepatitis B infection?

The symptoms of acute hepatitis B infection may not be apparent for months after exposure to HBV. However, the most common symptoms are fatigue, muscle and joint pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, fever, belly pain, and the yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice).

Q. Can hepatitis B spread through food or water?

Hepatitis B virus does not spread through food or water, by sharing utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, handholding, coughing, or sneezing.

Q. How is hepatitis B transmitted?

The hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood and body fluids. This can happen during unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner; from an infected mother to the unborn baby; by sharing needles, syringes, or drug preparation equipment; by sharing items such as toothbrushes or razors; due to direct contact with blood or open wounds of an infected person; and by piercing and tattooing. The infection may also spread due to poor infection control in healthcare facilities like hospitals.

Q. How long is hepatitis B infectious?

Hepatitis B is infectious for as long as the virus is active in your body. If you have an acute infection, it may last from a few weeks to six months, and you are capable of transmitting the infection to healthy individuals. If you have a chronic infection, it may last a lifetime and may potentially lead to serious illnesses such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Q. What additional tests will I need if my Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test result is positive?

If your Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test result is positive, your doctor may order additional tests like hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc), hepatitis B “e” antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B “e” antibody (HBeAb or anti-HBe), hepatitis B viral DNA, and liver function test.

Q. How can hepatitis B be prevented?

Hepatitis B can be best prevented by vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective and should be given in three doses for full protection (at 0, 1, and 6 months).

Q. What are the types of hepatitis viruses?

The types of hepatitis virus include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E.
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Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 510
Price inNew DelhiRs. 510
Price inMumbaiRs. 510
Price inPuneRs. 510
Price inKolkataRs. 510
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