Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)

• Test Name: Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test.
• Test Type: Blood test used to detect the presence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the blood.
• Specimen Required: Serum or plasma sample from a blood draw.
• Methodology: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) is typically used to identify HBsAg, an indicator of active Hepatitis B infection.
• Purpose: To screen for acute or chronic Hepatitis B infection and to monitor HBV in individuals at risk.

• Diagnosis of Hepatitis B Infection: Used to confirm active infection with the Hepatitis B virus.
• Screening: Screening tests for individuals at risk, such as healthcare workers, pregnant women, or people in high-prevalence areas.
• Monitoring: Monitors individuals with chronic Hepatitis B to evaluate disease progression or response to treatment.

• Detection of HBsAg: Determines the presence of the Hepatitis B surface antigen in the blood.
• Screening for Chronic or Acute HBV: This can help differentiate between acute and chronic HBV infection.
• Routine Screening: Often part of routine prenatal or healthcare screenings for Hepatitis B.

• Positive Result: Indicates active Hepatitis B infection (either acute or chronic). The individual is contagious and can spread the virus.
• Negative Result: No detectable HBsAg, meaning no active infection or successful recovery from a past infection.
• Chronic Infection: If HBsAg remains positive for more than six months, it suggests chronic Hepatitis B.

• Turnaround Time: Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours.
• Result Format: The result will be either "positive" (indicating infection) or "negative" (no infection).
• Next Steps: Positive results require further evaluation, including liver function tests, Hepatitis B viral load testing, and possibly liver biopsy for chronic cases.

Q. What is the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test?
The HBsAg Test is a blood test used to detect the presence of the Hepatitis B virus in the blood, indicating an active infection
 

Q. Who should get tested for Hepatitis B using the HBsAg test?
People at high risk of infection, such as healthcare workers, pregnant women, or individuals with a family history of Hepatitis B, should consider the test
 

Q. What does a positive HBsAg result mean?
A positive result indicates that you have an active Hepatitis B infection and can transmit the virus to others
 

Q. Can a negative HBsAg test result mean I have immunity to Hepatitis B?
A negative result means there is no active infection, but it does not confirm immunity. Additional tests like anti-HBs (antibodies) may be needed to determine immunity status
 

Q. How long does it take to receive HBsAg test results?
Results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours after the blood sample is collected
 

Q. What are the next steps if my HBsAg test is positive?
Further tests will be done to evaluate liver function, viral load, and whether the infection is acute or chronic. You may need treatment if it's chronic
 

Q. Can I transmit Hepatitis B if my HBsAg test is positive?
Yes, individuals with a positive HBsAg result are contagious and can spread the virus to others through blood or bodily fluids