HBsAg Test Key to Early Detection and Management of Hepatitis-B

This article will discuss the HBsAg test. We will also address some common questions related to HBsAg test.

What Does HBsAg Mean?

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), is a protein found on the surface of hepatitis B virus(HBV). It is an important marker used to detect active hepatitis B infection.

What is Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), it primarily affects the liver. This infection leads to both chronic and acute liver diseases, such as:

Acute Hepatitis B
- A short-term illness occurs within the first five-six months after exposure to the hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Symptoms include loss of appetite, joint and muscle pain, low fever, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and jaundice.
- Generally, people recover from acute hepatitis B, but some may develop chronic hepatitis
Chronic Hepatitis B
- A long-term infection that occurs when virus remains in the blood for more than six months
- It can lead to serious health problems like liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer and death
- People with chronic hepatitis B are more likely to develop liver cancer
- There is no cure for chronic hepatitis B, but treatments are available

Role of Hepatitis B as a Marker

Hepatitis B is a significant viral infection affecting the liver, caused by the hepatitis B virus, beyond being a clinical diagnostic, its presence serves as a marker in various contexts, including disease progression monitoring, treatment efficacy evaluation and health intervention

Marker for infection

Hepatitis B markers are crucial for identifying the presence and stage of HBV infection.

HBsAg indicates current HBV infection.
- A positive HBsAg suggest an individual is infectious
- Used as a primary marker in screening for HBV
Anti-HBs indicate immunity due to past infection of vaccination
-tive (negative ) Anti HBsAg suggests susceptibility to HBV

HBsAg Test means

It is a crucial diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of the HB virus in the blood. This test is a part of a comprehensive evaluation for diagnosing, monitoring and managing HBV infections, potentially life-threatening viral infections that affect the liver. The presence of HBsAg in the blood indicates an active HBV infection, meaning the individual is currently infected and can transmit the virus to others. HBsAg is one of the earliest markers of HBV infection and is detectable within 1- 10 weeks after exposure to the virus.

Purpose of HBsAg

HBsAg serves several critical functions,

Diagnosis of Hepatitis B detects active HBV infection in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. It also helps differentiate between acute and chronic infections.
Screening, this test is routinely used to screen individuals at high risk of HBV infection. This test is mandatory for blood donors to prevent HBV transmission through transfusion.
Monitoring, this test assesses the effectiveness of treatment in individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus and also helps in determining the stage of infection and complications like liver damage
Prevention, identifying HBV carriers helps in implementing prevention measures, like vaccination and safe practices to prevent the spread of infection.

Indications for HBsAg test

This test is recommended in the following situations:

Symptoms of Hepatitis B: Fatigue, Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain
Routine: for pregnant women, blood donors and healthcare workers this test should be performed on a routine basis
Exposure to HBV: Through unprotected sex, needle sharing and occupational exposure
Chronic level disease: Patients with unexplained liver damage or elevated liver enzymes

Interpretation of HBsAg Test Results

Negative result, if HBsAg is not detected in the blood, the person does not have an active HBV infection. For confirmation, some other tests are done.
Positive results, a positive result indicates active HBV infection, further testing is done to determine if the infection is acute or chronic

Which Diagnostic Centre is Best for the HBsAg Test in Delhi?

Patients can visit Ganesh Diagnostic Centre for the HBsAg test, the centre is accredited by NABL and NABH agencies. The centre has well-equipped laboratories and skilled staff for any kind of test both in pathology and radiology.

How to Book the HBsAg test online in Delhi?

Patients can visit the Ganesh Diagnostic website to book the HBsAg test online or click here to book the test online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the HBsAg test?

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) is a protein found on the surface of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is an important marker used to detect active hepatitis B infection.