What is Hepatitis B Virus Test (HBsAg)?

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), also known as Australia antigen exists on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This test identifies the presence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in your blood.

Why is Hepatitis B Virus Test (HBsAg) done?

To discover Hepatitis B virus infection in patients having signs and symptoms suggestive of Hepatitis

To examine for Hepatitis B infection following accidental exposure to HBV e.g. in healthcare workers. Repeat check is recommended 6 weeks after exposure.

To examine for Hepatitis B infection in persons who are in danger of acquiring infection like IV drug users, sex workers, hemodialysis patients, prisoners, etc.

To examine for Hepatitis B infection during pregnancy to avoid transmission of infection from mother to child.

What does Hepatitis B Virus (HBsAg) Measure?

HBsAg test identifies the existence or nonexistence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in the blood.

Hepatitis B virus is one of the five major hepatitis viruses, known as type A, B, C, D and E and is the causative agent of Hepatitis B (infection in the liver). Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) is existing on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBsAg is present in the blood of patients with viral hepatitis B (with clinical symptoms).

HBsAg is the first marker appearing in the blood at 6 to 16 weeks preceding exposure to HBV. In most instances after an acute infection, this virus clears up on its own in 1 to 2 months after the onset of symptoms. But in some people, the virus does not go away and brings about chronic infection which over the years may lead to liver damage (scarring or cirrhosis) or liver cancer. Persistence of HBsAg for more than 6 months shows the transformation of either a chronic carrier condition or chronic HBV infection.

INTERPRETING HEPATITIS B VIRUS TEST (HBsAg) RESULTS
Interpretations

A "Reactive" or "Positive" HBsAg test result proves that the individual is infected with Hepatitis B virus. If one tests “positive,” then an additional test is required to determine if this is a new “acute” infection a “chronic” Hepatitis B infection or a chronic HBV carrier state.

A "Non-reactive" or "Negative" HBsAg test result proves that the individual is not infected with Hepatitis B virus.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Q. How is this test carried out?
This test is carried out on a blood sample. A syringe with an exceptional needle is used to withdraw blood from a blood vessel in your arm. The healthcare issuer will tie an elastic band around your arm to make the blood vessels swell with blood. This makes it less difficult to withdraw blood. You may as well be requested to tighten your fist. Once the veins are really visible, the place is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to gather the sample. You will experience a tiny pinprick at some point in the procedure. Blood samples once gathered will then be sent to the laboratory.

Q. Is there any danger associated with this test?
There is no considerable danger associated with the test. However, bearing in mind that this test has to do with a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very uncommon cases, a patient may have bleeding, hematoma formation (blood series beneath the skin), bruising or infection at the place of needle prick.

Q. What are the indications and symptoms of Hepatitis B?

The signs and symptoms of acute Hepatitis B may no longer be apparent for months after exposure to HBV. However, the most common signs and symptoms are fatigue (weakness), muscle and joint pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, fever, stomach discomfort, and yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin (jaundice).

Q. Is there any special requirement earlier than the HBsAg test?

No unique requirement or preparation is needed for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test.

Q. How is Hepatitis B transmitted?

Hepatitis B can be transmitted by means of contact with infected blood and body fluids. This can take place during Unprotected intercourse with an infected associate Birth (spread from an infected mom to her infant throughout birth) Sharing needles, syringes, or drug preparation tools Sharing objects such as toothbrushes, razors or medical gear such as a glucose revealer with an infected individual Direct contact with the blood or open sores of an infected individual Exposure to blood from needle sticks or other sharp units of infected individual Skin-penetrating procedures, which include acupuncture, piercing and tattooing may end up in transmission of infection.

Q. Can Hepatitis B be spread via food or water?
No, Hepatitis B virus does not unfold through meals or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, handholding, coughing, or sneezing.

Q. What additional tests your doctor can also order in case of HBsAg test result is positive?
In case of a positive test result, your physician may also order the following tests: 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 (LFT) for increased liver enzymes.

Q. What are the probabilities that acute Hepatitis infection will grow into a chronic infection?
The probability of acute Hepatitis infection developing into a chronic infection relies upon the age of the individual infected. The possibilities of developing a chronic infection are comparatively excessive if a person becomes infected at a young age. The probabilities are even higher for infected babies, as the price of developing infection may additionally go up to 90%. However, the threat goes down as a child becomes older. Approximately 25%–50% of the young people infected between the ages of 1 and 5 years will have chronic Hepatitis B. On the other hand, about 95% of adults recover absolutely and do not become chronically infected.

Q. How long will the Hepatitis B virus survive outside the body?
The hepatitis virus has the capacity to survive outside the body for up to seven days. In fact, this virus is capable of resulting in infection even for the duration of that time.

Q. How can Hepatitis B be prevented?
Hepatitis B can be greatly avoided by using vaccination. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and efficient and must be given in three doses for full protection (at 0, 1, and 6 months).