HBeAg Test: Results, Standard Range, and Pregnancy Results

What is HBeAg Test?  

The HBeAg test is a medical test that helps in diagnosing Hepatitis B infection. HBeAg stands for Hepatitis B e antigen, which is a protein produced by the Hepatitis B virus. When a person is infected with Hepatitis B, their immune system produces antibodies to fight against the virus. The presence of HBeAg in the blood indicates active viral replication and a high risk of transmitting the infection to others. On the other hand, the absence of HBeAg and the presence of the corresponding antibody, anti-HBe, suggests a lower risk of transmission and a less active infection.  

What HBeAg Test Results Mean 

The HBeAg test is used to determine the presence of the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in the blood. A positive HBeAg test result means that the person is highly contagious and has a high viral load, indicating active hepatitis B infection.  

On the other hand, a negative HBeAg test result means that the person does not have active viral replication. This indicates a lower risk of spreading the virus and a lower risk of developing complications from hepatitis B.  

It's important to note that HBeAg test results should be considered along with other hepatitis B tests, such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), to get a complete picture of the person's hepatitis B status and determine the appropriate treatment or management plan. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for further interpretation of HBeAg test results. 

HBeAg Tests During Pregnancy 

When mothers have the HBeAg virus; there are chances that the baby might also get the infection. Therefore, the child must be adequately treated at birth. Hence, pregnant women must get their HBeAg test done at the right time to prevent the virus from passing on to their newborn baby. 

You can go to your healthcare provider to get the HBeAg test done. Based on your blood test results, the doctor can help you take steps to ensure that the HBeAg virus isn’t transmitted to your baby. Proper and timely medications beforehand can help prevent the baby from being affected by this disease. 

HBeAg test is essential for women from high-risk groups such as ethnic communities, healthcare workers, and other infected patients. If a pregnant woman is living with an infected person, they must be tested immediately for quick results.  

HBeAg in Chronic Hepatitis B 

The presence of hepatitis B antigen in your blood determines chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis B might develop into liver fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma if not diagnosed beforehand. It depends on whether your blood has an antigen or not.  

What does HBeAg positive mean?  

If you see a higher rate of replication in antigen; it represents the presence of the HBeAg virus. 

Difference Between HBeAg and HBsAg 

Let's understand HBeAg vs HBsAg: 

HBeAg and HBsAg are both antigens associated with the hepatitis B virus, but they serve different purposes and indicate different stages of infection.  

HBeAg stands for hepatitis B e antigen and is an indicator of active viral replication. The HBeAg positive means that the virus is actively reproducing in the body and the person is highly contagious. It is often seen during the acute phase of infection or in individuals with chronic hepatitis B. HBeAg can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of antiviral therapy.  

On the other hand, HBsAg stands for hepatitis B surface antigen and is the first antigen to appear during a hepatitis B infection. It is the marker of current infection and indicates that the person has the virus in their bloodstream. HBsAg can be detected before symptoms appear and remain present even after recovery from acute infection. If HBsAg persists for more than six months, it is considered a sign of chronic hepatitis B.  

HBeAg indicates active viral replication and high infectivity, while HBsAg indicates current infection with the hepatitis B virus.  

Conclusion 

The HBeAg test is an important test done during pregnancy. Also, if you’re living with hepatitis B virus-infected patients, you must get an HBeAg test done immediately. To get your HBeAg test, you can visit your nearest diagnostic centre. 

Metropolis Lab is a renowned diagnostic laboratory in the country. We offer a wide range of tests and also provide a convenient home sample collection service. Our lab specialises in various blood tests and comprehensive health check-up services.