HBsAg Test
Also known as Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Quantitative BloodWhat is this test?
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Quantitative Blood Test measures the Hepatitis B surface antigen levels (HBsAg) in the blood. This test helps to determine different phases of Hepatitis B infection and in monitoring response to treatment.
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 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 in 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 a carrier. 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 (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 assess the HBsAg levels during the phases of Hepatitis B infection. It is not recommended as an initial diagnostic test for Hepatitis B infection. This test helps to assess the HBsAg levels during the phases of Hepatitis B infection. This test in combination with other Hepatitis B virus DNA tests helps the doctor to evaluate and monitor individuals receiving treatment for Hepatitis B infection. This test measures the levels of Hepatitis B surface antigen and thus helps to assess the treatment response in such individuals.
Also known as HBV Surface Antigen Quantitative Blood, HBsAg Quantitative Blood, Anti HBs Test, HBsAg Quantitative, HBV Surface Antigen Quantitative, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Quantitative.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your HBsAg Test. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for HBsAg Test.
No specific preparation is required for this test.
Understanding your test results
The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.
If the test results show high levels of HBsAg for Hepatitis B, this may indicate that you are likely to have a hepatitis B infection.
If the test results show low levels of HBsAg, it may indicate a higher likelihood of HBsAg clearance and lower risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
If the test results show high levels of HBsAg after 12 weeks of therapy, it may indicate a poor response to the treatment.
If the test results show low levels of HBsAg after 12 weeks of therapy, it may indicate that your response level to treatment is good.
If the test results show low levels of HBsAg during and at end of the therapy, it may indicate that you are responding to treatment.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| OTHER | All age groups | <5mIU/ml |
| OTHER | All age groups | >12mIU/ml |