An HBsAg blood test identifies whether a person has a recent or chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The proteins on the surface of HBV are known as antigens, and they activate the immune system to create antibodies. Therefore, the presence of HBV antigen is one of the first signs of an HBV infection.
Hepatitis B is a highly contagious disease. If your hepatitis b surface antigen blood test is positive, it implies you have the infection and can spread it to others via your blood or bodily fluids.
The HBsAg test is performed with other tests to confirm hepatitis B and determine whether you are contagious. Get an HBsAg blood test by searching the best diagnostic center near me to safeguard you and your loved ones from this HBV infection.
What Exactly Is Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)?
Hepatitis B is a potentially fatal liver infection triggered by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B infection can develop chronically in certain patients, lasting longer than six months. Chronic hepatitis B increases your chances of developing liver failure, liver cancer, or cirrhosis—a condition that causes irreversible liver scarring.
Many chronically infected people exhibit no visible indications of hepatitis B infection. As a result, screening for hepatitis B is vital and required. Your doctor will advise the following test:
- HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN (HBsAg): Determines whether you have chronic hepatitis B. Only the HBsAg blood test can determine whether you have chronic hepatitis B.
- HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIBODY (ANTI-HBS): Determines whether you are immune to hepatitis B.
What exactly is the HBsAg blood test?
This blood test checks for hepatitis B surface antigens. The test determines if you have a recent or chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
HBV carries antigens on its surface, affecting your immune system to produce antibodies. Hepatitis B surface antigens can be identified in your blood within a few weeks of infection. They are one of the first indications of hepatitis B.
HBV is one of the five hepatitis infections. Hepatitis A, C, D, and E are the remaining ones. These five viruses cause the majority of hepatitis infections. HBV is transferred by blood, seminal fluid, and vaginal secretions. It can take several months after infection to develop signs of hepatitis B. The virus produces a liver illness. This virus usually clears up on its own within 6 months. However, the virus persists in a small percentage of adults and a higher percentage of youngsters. This is particularly true for babies. This is referred to as having a persistent infection. It can cause liver cell damage, scarring, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.
Surface antigens of Hepatitis B are present at the beginning of acute infection and throughout the chronic or long-term illness.
Why do I require an HBsAG examination?
If your doctor suspects you have a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in your liver, you may need this test. If you have hepatitis B signs, you may require this test. Symptoms frequently appear gradually. Many individuals have no symptoms or have only a mild case of the flu. You may not have symptoms unless the HBV infection is severe or chronic.
The most prevalent symptom is excessive exhaustion. Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Appetite loss
- Muscle pain
- Fever
- Skin and eyes that are yellow (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Swelling and perplexity This only applies in exceptional instances.
You may also be subjected to this test if you have a history of virus exposure. The following are risk factors for hepatitis B infection:
- Having intercourse with a virus-infected person
- Living close to someone infected with the virus
- Being a man who has sexual relations with other men
- Being the kid of a virus-infected mother
- Sharing needles for IV (intravenous) medication administration
- Working at a hospital where you are exposed to blood
- Receiving a blood transfusion or an organ transplantation.
If you have already been diagnosed with hepatitis B, you may have this test repeated to evaluate if your infection is improving.
How should I prepare for the HBsAg test?
You do not need to prepare for this exam. However, ensure your doctor knows all medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This covers over-the-counter medicines and any illegal substances you may be using.
What does the HBsAg test result mean?
Your HBsAg test results may differ depending on your age, gender, medical history, and other factors. In addition, depending on the lab utilized, your test results may change. Therefore, they may not indicate that you have an issue. Inquire with your doctor about the significance of your test results.
Negative or nonreactive results indicate that no hepatitis B surface antigen was identified.
If your HBsAg lab results are positive or reactive, you may be infected with HBV. In most circumstances, this indicates you will be fine in 6 months. If you recover, you will be immune to the virus and cannot spread it to others. A positive hepatitis b surface antigen blood test results may indicate that you have chronic hepatitis B. If you do not recover within 6 months, the virus may remain in your bloodstream and develop liver problems. Again, you can spread the infection to others. Your doctor may prescribe medication if you have not recovered after 6 months.
Final Words
HBsAg stands for Hepatitis B surface antigen – A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAg test result indicates hepatitis B infection. In addition, this test can reveal the presence of the hepatitis B virus (referred to as the “surface antigen”) in your blood.
If a person’s Hepatitis B surface antigen blood test result is “positive,” more testing is required to identify whether the infection is “acute” or “chronic.” A positive HBsAg test result indicates that you are infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can spread it to others through your blood.
