HBsAg Rapid Test | Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test (HBsAg Test)

What is the Hepatitis B test?

Hepatitis B is a severe liver infection brought on by the hepatitis B virus. It can be avoided with vaccination. The common cause of the spread of disease is exposure to contaminated bodily fluids. The symptoms include stomach ache, yellowing of the eye, and dark urine. Some patients remain asymptomatic for a few Days. Chronic conditions necessitate treatment and can even need a liver transplant. Hepatitis surface antigen is also known as the Australia antigen. A hepatitis B virus surface protein can be found in the serum following acute or chronic infection. The hbsag rapid test confirms the presence of acute or chronic hepatitis B. The presence of HBsAg suggests that the individual is contagious. As part of the normal immunological response to infection, the body generates antibodies against HBsAg. The hepatitis B vaccine is made with HBsAg as the antigen. It is the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Its detection in blood indicates that a person has a Hepatitis B infection.

When is the Hepatitis Test done?

A doctor may recommend this hbsag test in the following.

• If one has symptoms of Hepatitis B
• In patients with jaundice
• Workers of the Public & Health care department
• Before undergoing any surgical procedure
• Needle prick injury in those who are in close contact with a person having HBV
• More than one sex partner or men having unsafe sex
• Travellers travelling to countries where hepatitis B is common

What are the components of the Hepatitis B surface antigen Test?

Hepatitis B test can be done alone or with other tests and ultrasound test

What is the usual range of the Hepatitis B surface antigen Test?

• A negative result: a level less than 5 mlU means no hepatitis infection.
• A positive means: a level of more than 12 mlU indicates hepatitis infection

Note: The value may vary from laboratory to laboratory

How is the Hepatitis B surface antigen test done?

• The sample is taken from the vein
• The report usually comes within a few hours of sample collection.