Hepatitis B E Antigen Elisa Blood

Hepatitis B e Antigen ELISA Blood Test is used to detect the presence of Hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) in the blood. HBeAg is detected only in the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive blood. Therefore, this test helps to confirm whether a person has Hepatitis B active infection or not.

What are Hepatitis B Infection and Hepatitis B envelope antigen?

Hepatitis B infection is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This infection can spread from one person to another through contact with infected blood and body fluids. Common symptoms of this infection are dark urine, fatigue, fever, abdominal discomfort, weakness, loss of appetite, yellowing of eyes, joint and muscle pain, etc. Symptoms usually appear about one to four months after the occurrence of infection.

Normally in most of the cases, this infection does not last for a long time. Your immune system fights it off within a few months. However, if you have it for more than six months, you are called as a carrier. Mostly, adults may recover from this infection fully within a short period of time. Infants and children are more likely to develop a long-lasting infection.

Hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) is a protein from the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is circulated in the infected blood when the virus multiplies. Therefore, the presence of hepatitis B envelope antigens in the blood means that HBV is multiplying in your liver. These antigens appear one week soon after the hepatitis B surface antigens are detected. HBeAg in the blood indicates that you are infected with Hepatitis B infection and can spread the virus. Infants and children with Hepatitis B infection show the presence of HBeAg because their immune system is not matured enough to fight against HBV. Some adults may have HBV in their body that are able to multiply without the help of HBeAg. This type of infection is known as HBeAg negative Hepatitis B infection.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to screen or diagnose the presence of Hepatitis B infection. It is mainly performed in individuals with a positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) blood test.

Your doctor may ask to perform this test if he suspects a Hepatitis B infection or if you experience any signs or symptoms of Hepatitis B infection. This test may also be recommended to individuals with severe liver disease due to the risk of developing this infection. You may be advised to perform this test if you come in contact with a person with Hepatitis B infection or if in case of a direct contact with infected blood.

Precautions:

The results may alter in individuals receiving monoclonal antibodies or heparin therapy. Hence, inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you take.

The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.

If the test results are positive, it indicates the presence of Hepatitis B envelope antigen in the blood. The presence of Hepatitis B envelope antigen in the blood may indicate that you are at highly infectious state.

If the test results are negative, it indicates that no Hepatitis B envelope antigen is found in the blood. Some adults may have HBV in their blood in the absence of Hepatitis B envelope antigen. This type of infection is known as HBeAg negative Hepatitis B infection. Your doctor may ask you to perform a few more additional tests to confirm whether the infection is present or not.