What is HBsAg? Understanding the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test

The deadly liver disease known as hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Some people initially show no symptoms. Others could experience jaundice, exhaustion, and stomachache. Chronic liver problems might result from HBV if treatment is not received. 

The Hepatitis B virus has several crucial parts. The outer membrane expresses a surface antigen called HBsAg. The viral nucleocapsid carries both HbeAg and HbcAg. A shortened form of the core protein is present. It acts as a covert indicator of viral proliferation.

HBsAg is the sign of a new acute illness. It can be found as early as one week and as late as nine weeks. It denotes a month on average following hepatitis B virus exposure. 

• On the test device, antibodies that react with HBsAg are coated.

• Using a substrate and a stop solution, the test device is cleaned. It is cultured in order to cause color changes.

• Depending on the test kit, an ELISA reader or a visual inspection is used to analyze the test result.

Typically, the HBsAg test is part of a panel of hepatitis B tests. HBcAb and HBsAb may be additional tests in this panel. 

You have a hepatitis B virus infection if your HBsAg test is positive. The virus is contagious. To find out if your infection is active or not, you will require further tests. Your doctor will probably prescribe more tests if your HBsAg test is positive. 

If your HBsAg test is negative, you do not have a Hepatitis B viral infection. That does not imply that you are wholly subjective, though. Getting vaccinated will reduce the risk of infection for you and your family.

The HBsAg screening test is an easy blood test. It searches for the HBV antigen. The early diagnosis of Hepatitis B infection is greatly aided by this test. 

They can take precautions by using HBsAg screening to find possible HBV virus carriers. Serious liver problems might be considerably decreased with early identification and treatment. 

In general, screening refers to those who exhibit symptoms. It also describes those who are more likely to be exposed to HBV. Everyone should be evaluated for Hepatitis B infection, according to the CDC, if they exhibit any symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain

• Dark urine, fever

• Appetite decline 

• Fever

• Both nausea and vomiting 

• Achy joints

• Fatigue and Weakness 

• Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes

Antibodies against the HBV core antigen are found using the hepatitis B core antibody screening test. Within a few weeks following an HBV infection, the antibody is detected in the blood. A positive test indicates an HBV infection. However, it doesn't say if the individual is immune to reinfection, has recovered from the virus, or is still infected.

Adults aged over 18 must be screened for hepatitis B preferably once in their lifetimes. They can employ a test with three panels. It's to guarantee more testing accessibility. Regardless of the risk disclosure, everybody who asks for HBV testing should have it. Disclosure of stigmatizing dangers may be resisted by many.

A positive HBsAg blood test indicates an infected patient. It also denotes an ongoing or persistent Hepatitis B infection.

Various tests can identify an HBV infection, either past or present. Other tests search for further signs of the infection, while the HBsAg test finds HBV antigens. They search for the body's anti-HBV antibodies or the HBV virus's DNA. Apart from the HBsAg test, the additional two blood tests consist of:

 An anti-HB, or HBsAb, test is another name for it. This test finds anti-HBV antibodies.

 Another name for it is an anti-HBc, or HBcAb, test. This entails checking for active HBV viral replication.

Serological tests to identify HBsAg have aided in the detection of hepatitis B virus infection, as it is a traditional indicator of infection.

A positive result for the HBsAg test indicates that a person has hepatitis B. This test determines if the blood contains the hepatitis B virus's surface antigen. The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test serves to identify hepatitis B, identify viruses, and track how well hepatitis B therapy is working.

Age, gender, medical history, and other factors might affect test findings. The absence of the hepatitis B surface antigen is indicated by negative or nonreactive findings. A positive or reactive test might indicate that you have an active HBV infection. Those who receive a hepatitis B diagnosis should receive:

• medical assessment (by a chronic liver disease expert or primary care physician), along with monitoring and therapy.

• supportive treatment for their symptoms as necessary.

If the first result is unclear, a follow-up test for hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) can be required.

Hepatitis B immunological state is assessed by hepatitis B surface antibody quantification. The goal is to ascertain if the patient has become immune to the hepatitis B virus. After being exposed to the hepatitis B virus or its vaccination, such immunity may develop.

Individuals should be tested with this diagnostic exam. Its purpose is to assess hepatitis B virus immunity or post-acute infection status.

The distinction between the two is illustrated in the paragraphs that follow.

HBV's surface contains a protein known as HBsAg. Serum can have high levels of it when an HBV infection is acute or persistent. A person is contagious if they have HBsAg. There is one exception: within 30 days following the dosage of the HepB vaccination, it may become momentarily positive. The body's natural immunological response to infection includes the production of antibodies against HBsAg. 

Most people consider anti-HBs to be an indication of resistance and HBV infection healing. Those who have had a successful hepatitis B vaccination also develop anti-HBs. Anti-HB levels may eventually drop in vaccine responders who finish a series of vaccinations. Most of them maintain their immunity and will react to HBV exposure.

To find out if someone has been infected with the hepatitis B virus, the hepatitis B surface antigen test is a helpful tool. The status of a person who has received a viral vaccination can also be tracked using this test. Screening blood donors for the virus is another function of it. 

For a quick recovery, early evaluation and therapy are crucial. It enables a hassle-free existence for the sufferer. 

See a physician if your test outcomes are positive. See a gastroenterologist or hepatologist who is knowledgeable in hepatitis B. This expert will assess your hepatitis B status by ordering blood tests and maybe a liver scan.

Chronic hepatitis B is treated with a variety of medications. Limiting alcohol, sugar, and fat intake is the greatest way to reduce inflammation.

Immediately seek medical advice if you detect any hepatitis B-related symptoms. Additionally, discuss any unusual findings you experience with your doctor throughout therapy.

This indicates that you have the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can infect others.

 HBV may spread in the following common ways:

• Intercourse

• Sharing needles

• Unintentional needlestick injuries

• A pregnant individual with a newborn

 Hepatitis B currently has no known cure.

 HBsAg is positive for Hepatitis B antigen.

The typical range for HBsAg levels is not defined. Rather, the test findings are regarded as either undetermined, negative, or affirmative. More than 12 mIU/mL indicates protective immunity; however, less than 5 mIU/mL is usually regarded as negative. 

Indeed, HBsAg has a connection to the liver.

**Medical Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).