HBsAg Qualitative

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Qualitative Blood Test is used to detect the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood. This test helps to determine whether a person has Hepatitis B infection or not.

What is Hepatitis B Infection and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen?

Hepatitis B infection is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This is one of the types of viral hepatitis. 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. 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 may become a carrier of this disease. Mostly, adults may recover from this infection completely within a short period of time. Infants and children are more likely to develop a long-lasting infection.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has proteins on its surface. These proteins are called hepatitis B surface antigens. It is found in your blood within several weeks (approximately 4 weeks) after the infection starts. Presence of hepatitis B surface antigens causes the immune system to make antibodies. Therefore, the hepatitis B surface antigens are the first marker for determining the presence of Hepatitis B infection.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to screen or diagnose the presence of Hepatitis B infection. Your doctor may ask you to perform this test if he suspects a Hepatitis B infection or if you experience any signs and 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. It is an aid that helps in the diagnosis of Hepatitis B infection. This test does not help to differentiate between acute and chronic infection. Therefore, it is used with other Hepatitis B tests to rule out the state of Hepatitis B infection.

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

If the test results are positive, it shows the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen or HBV virus in the blood. This may indicate that you are infected with Hepatitis B infection and can spread the virus. Your doctor may ask you to perform a few more additional tests to determine whether the state of infection is acute or chronic.

If the test results are negative, it indicates that no Hepatitis B surface antigen or HBV virus is found in the blood.