Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test: Purpose, Procedure And Result

The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test is used to detect the presence of hepatitis B surface antigens in your blood. This test can be used to screen for the virus that causes hepatitis B or to determine if you are actively infected with the virus. The HBsAg test is usually performed as part of a panel of tests, such as the hepatitis B panel, which also includes tests for other hepatitis viruses. This article will discuss the purpose, procedure, and results of an HBsAg test.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that affects the liver. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.

Most people with hepatitis B have no symptoms and do not know they are infected. However, HBV can cause chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Acute Hepatitis B Virus:

Acute hepatitis B infection is a serious viral infection that can cause liver damage. Your doctor may recommend the HBsAg test if you have symptoms of acute hepatitis B, such as fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice). You may also be tested for HBsAg if you have been exposed to the virus, such as through unprotected sex or sharing needles.

Chronic Hepatitis B Virus:

Chronic hepatitis B infection is a serious disease that can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, and death. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test is used to detect the presence of the HBsAg protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus. This protein is produced by the virus and is used to infect healthy cells. If the HBsAg test is positive, it means that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection and require treatment.

What is The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test?

The HBsAg test is used to screen for hepatitis B infection and to help diagnose acute or chronic hepatitis B. This test can also be used to monitor people who are at risk for hepatitis B infection, such as people with HIV or those who have been exposed to the virus.

Other Hepatitis B Tests

Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb)

A Hepatitis B core antibody is a blood test that looks for antibodies to the core of the hepatitis B virus. These antibodies are produced by the body in response to an infection with the virus. The test can be used to diagnose an active or past infection with the virus. It can also be used to check if a person has immunity to the virus, which means they are less likely to get infected if exposed to it.

Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb)

The hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) test is used to detect the presence of antibodies against the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to an infection or other foreign substance. HBsAb is produced in response to HBV infection.

Purpose of The HBsAg Test

The HBsAg test is used to diagnose hepatitis B, determine if you are a carrier of the virus, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment for hepatitis B.

The HBsAg test is usually performed on a blood sample. However, it can also be done on other body fluids, such as saliva, semen, or vaginal fluid. If you have had a recent blood transfusion or been exposed to blood through needle sharing, you may also need to be tested for the presence of HBsAg.

Procedure For Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test

The procedure for the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test is very simple. A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the test will be available within a few days.

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test is a very important test for people who are at risk for hepatitis B infection. This test can help to diagnose hepatitis B infection early before symptoms develop. It can also help to determine if someone who has already been infected with hepatitis B has developed immunity to the virus.

Results of The Test

The HBsAg test is usually done as part of a panel of tests for hepatitis B. Other tests in this panel may include the hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) and the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb).

A positive HBsAg test result means that you are infected with the hepatitis B virus and can spread the virus to others. If you have a positive HBsAg test, you will need further testing to determine if you have an active or inactive infection.

An inactive infection means that you are not currently contagious, but you still carry the virus and can become active again. A chronic infection means that the virus has been in your body for more than six months and can lead to serious liver problems, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

If you have a positive HBsAg test, your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and to determine how much virus is present in your blood. These tests may include the hepatitis B viral load test and/or the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

Conclusion

The hepatitis B surface antigen test is a useful tool to determine whether a person has been infected with the hepatitis B virus. This test can also be used to monitor the status of someone who has been vaccinated against the virus, as well as to screen blood donors for the presence of the virus. Although it is a simple and quick test to perform, it is important to understand that the results of this test should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical information to make an accurate diagnosis. Book a home visit for the HBsAg test or visit your nearest Metropolis diagnostic centre. With a presence in 220 cities, Metropolis is one of the biggest and most accurate diagnostic centres in India.