What is the HBsAg Blood Test?
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a type of blood test used to check if a person has a hepatitis B viral infection. If specific antibodies are found, the person has a hepatitis B infection. This also means that the person is positive for HBsAg and that others may get this infection through their blood or body fluids. HBsAg can be detected in the blood during both acute infections and chronic infections.
What is the HBsAg test used for?
- The HBsAg test aids in identifying whether an individual is experiencing acute or chronic HBV infection.
- It offers vital information for healthcare providers to make decisions regarding post-test measures and referral to appropriate care.
- The test results play a significant role in guiding treatment choices and evaluating immunity acquired from previous infection or vaccination.
- The utilization of the HBsAg test is imperative in effectively managing HBV infection and ensuring the provision of suitable care and support.
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Get A Second OpinionWhy do I need this Hepatitis B test?
The HBsAg test plays a crucial role in detecting Hepatitis B virus infection, with a positiveYou may need this test if your doctor suspects you have a liver infection caused by Hepatitis B (HBV). Hepatitis B testing symptoms can develop slowly and may be mild, similar to the flu, or you might not have HBsAg positive & negative symptoms at all until the infection becomes severe or chronic.
Common symptoms of hepatitis B include:
- Extreme tiredness
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark-colored urine
- Hepatitis B diagnosis
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Swelling and confusion (in severe cases)
- You may also need the test if you have certain risk factors for Hepatitis B, such as:
- Having unprotected sex with someone infected with the virus
- Living with someone who has Hepatitis B
- Being a man who has sex with men
- Being born to a mother with Hepatitis B
- Sharing needles for intravenous (IV) drug use
- Working in healthcare where you're exposed to blood
- Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant (though screening has reduced this risk)
- Additionally, if you've already been diagnosed with Hepatitis B, you may need this test multiple times to monitor whether your infection is improving for the HBsAg diagnostic test.
Procedure for HBsAg Test
The procedure for the HBsAg testing can vary depending on the type of test kit used, but it generally follows these steps:
- A needle is inserted into a vein, typically in your arm or hand, to draw a blood sample.
- The blood sample is either examined at the lab or on-site using a test tool.
- The test tool contains antibodies that react with the HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), indicating a potential Hepatitis B infection.
- The test device is then incubated, cleaned, and treated with a special solution to trigger a color change.
- Depending on the kit, the result may be read visually or with an ELISA reader.
This process helps determine if the Hepatitis B surface antigen is present in your blood.
Can HBsAg positive be cured?
- Chronic infections of hepatitis B do not have a known cure, although acute infections can be resolved.
- The management of hepatitis B requires both lifestyle adjustments and the use of medication.
- Regular monitoring of liver function, cancer susceptibility, and overall health is of utmost importance.
- The vaccination against HBV plays a critical role in preventing infection.
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Book an AppointmentWhat is the normal range of HBsAg?
If the level of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is less than 5 mIU, the test is considered negative. In contrast, an HBsAg level greater than 12 mIU is considered a protective indicator against infection. If the HBsAg level is between 5 and 12 mIU, the test is considered inconclusive, and it should be repeated for confirmation.
Can hepatitis B change negative?
- Hepatitis B rarely reverts to a negative status once contracted.
- Effective treatments exist for managing hepatitis B in the current era.
- Antiviral medications help control the viral load associated with hepatitis B.
- Immediate consultation with a physician is crucial for detailed information and treatment.
- Antiviral medication use may lead to side effects during treatment.
