Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum

Also known as Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Screening Qualitative & Quantitative

₹510

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum

What is Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum?

A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum test detects the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and also measures the amount of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood. The test helps determine a recent or long-standing infection due to HBV. In addition, this test also helps monitor the ongoing antiviral treatment for hepatitis B in affected individuals.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and causes liver inflammation. It is transmitted when the blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person enter the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; by sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment; due to infected blood transfusion; or during pregnancy or delivery. Hepatitis B vaccination is the safest and most effective practice to prevent this infection.

HBV has proteins called antigens on its surface that cause your immune system to make antibodies. Hepatitis B surface antigens can be found in your blood within several weeks after the infection starts. These antigens are one of the earliest markers of a hepatitis B infection. Following initial infection, most of the infected individuals do not exhibit any symptoms. However, some of the 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.

A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum test quantifies or measures the levels of HBsAg in the blood, allowing doctors to assess the stage of the infection and start appropriate treatment. This test helps to identify inactive carriers of HBV and evaluate the risk of infection progression in chronic (prolonged) hepatitis B patients. A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum may also be done to distinguish between various infection stages and ascertain whether the virus is replicating. It is recommended for patients diagnosed with hepatitis B infection by PCR testing or qualitative Hepatitis B antigen.

Usually, no special preparation is needed for this test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Discuss your complete medical history and symptoms to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition and make informed decisions regarding the course of treatment.

What is Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum used for?

A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum test is done to:

Screen for hepatitis B infection if an individual has been exposed to HBV or has symptoms associated with liver disease.
Prevent transmission of HBV to recipients of blood, blood components, cells, tissue, and organs.
Helps identify inactive carriers and evaluate the risk of infection progression in chronic hepatitis B patients.
Distinguish between the various infection stages and detects whether the hepatitis B virus is replicating in the blood.
To check treatment or antiviral medicines response against hepatitis B infection.

What does Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum measure?

A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum test checks and measures the amount of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in an infected individual, particularly with chronic hepatitis B infection. HBsAg is the first serological marker, within 1 to 10 weeks, to appear in the blood after recent exposure to HBV. Persistence of this marker for more than 6 months implies chronic (long-term) HBV infection which may lead to liver damage (scarring or cirrhosis). A person who has a chronic infection is capable of spreading the infection to healthy individuals, even if they do not show or experience any symptoms.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum

Q. Why do I need a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum test?

A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Serum 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. How long does it take for the symptoms to show up after getting infected with a hepatitis B virus?

If the symptoms do appear, they begin on average 90 days (or 3 months) after exposure to the virus, but they may appear any time between 8 weeks to 5 months after the exposure. The symptoms usually last for several weeks, but some people may feel sick for up to 6 months.

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 does a high level of HBsAg indicate?

A high level of HBsAg typically indicates an active hepatitis B infection. In chronic cases, it may also reflect a high viral load.

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).