When it comes to understanding and detecting hepatitis B infection, the HBsAg test is one of the most common and essential blood tests recommended by doctors. After recognizing these antigens, the test may come positive for...
When it comes to understanding and detecting hepatitis B infection, the HBsAg test is one of the most common and essential blood tests recommended by doctors. After recognizing these antigens, the test may come positive for the person. If you’ve been advised to get tested or are simply curious about what is HBsAg test, this guide covers everything: from meaning, procedure, HBsAg test price, normal range, to frequently asked questions all explained in simple language.
HBsAg Test
The virus may be present in blood after the infection or latent without showing any symptoms. Antigen is surface protein present on the surface of virus which can be detected by the test and helps to detect the infection. This test is very effective in detecting active infection whether it is acute or it is chronic.
Conditions Doctor recommend for HBsAg test for patient:
- If patient is having jaundice
- If patient is feeling fatigue
- If patient is suffering from abdominal pain
- Having the condition of nausea
- Routine checkup during pregnancy
- When person is going to donate blood to other person
- Used to check before giving vaccination
What is HBsAg Test
The virus can be the long term or short term infection i.e., acute or chronic. In both these conditions, virus detection if performed in blood and any sign of viral activity can be detected by this test. The test can have only two results whether positive or negative. If the patient has the presence of virus in blood, the test comes positive otherwise it comes negative. Positive is the sign of infection in the blood stream where as negative is the sign of no infection in blood stream.
HBsAg Test Means
The meaning of HBsAg test is to check for the hepatitis B, which can be recognized by the presence of surface antigen. This is the protein which can be detected during the test and helps to get the results.
- This test is helpful in detecting the current status of infection.
- If positive, it also indicates the person can transmit the virus to others through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to baby.
HBsAg Test Full Form
HBsAg in full form is described as:
- H – Hepatitis
- B – B (the type of hepatitis virus)
- s – surface
- Ag – antigen
HBsAg is the short form of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen.
HBsAg Rapid Test
With advancement of technology and diagnostic procedure there are also rapid test kits available in market. These kids have various advantages like:
- The kits are small and easy to carry
- Kit needs a small drop of blood for diagnosis
- Results are quick and can be drawn within 15 to 30 minutes.
- This kit is very handy at the times of emergencies like accidents, blood donations etc.
HBsAg Test Price
The HBsAg test price can vary depending on:
- City and type of healthcare facility
- Whether it’s a rapid test or lab-based ELISA test
- Additional service charges (like home collection)
The price range of HBsAg test in India may vary depending on various factors.
- The price for HBsAg test may range from Rs. 250 to Rs. 600.
- The price may be higher at reputed private hospital and diagnostic labs and may range up to Rs. 1000.
- HBsAg rapid test kits are affordable and cheaper but the reliability of test are more on laboratory so for more accurate results, patient prefer laboratories.
HBsAg Test Range / Results
The test results are usually reported as:
- Reactive / Positive: HBsAg is detected – active infection.
- Non-reactive / Negative: HBsAg is not detected – no infection.
This test is qualitative test so there is no range of numerical which can give the number range. This test only detects whether virus is present or not however there are some methods now which help to give numerical values which are very helpful in chronic infection monitoring.
Why is the HBsAg Test Done?
Doctors recommend this test to:
- It helps to check status of infection in various conditions like:
- If patient is having pregnancy
- If patient is going for surgery
- If patient is going for vaccination
- Screen blood donors to prevent hepatitis B transmission
- Monitor patients already diagnosed with hepatitis B
HBsAg Test Procedure
The test procedure of HBsAg is like the procedure of any other testing process. There are various steps involved in the testing and these include:
- Blood sample collection: Sample is taken out from the arm of patient
- Packing: Sample is packed and send for analysis
- Sample processing: Blood sample is processed and tests for the presence or absence of virus.
- Results: After processing, we get the results for the sample whether affected or not.
Who Should Get Tested?
- Person with pregnancy as routine checkup.
- Healthcare workers
- People with multiple sexual partners
- Individuals with symptoms of hepatitis
- Family members of hepatitis B patients
- Blood and organ donors
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Conclusion
The test is very famous for its accuracy, affordability and availability. The test is very effective in determining the infection of virus whether acute or chronic. This test is simple and can be done in any recognized laboratory. They are rapid test kits available for the sample test, which are affordable, quick and result oriented without the need of professional. But for more accuracy people prefer laboratories for testing because kits have some limitations which can influence the result of test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
HBsAg test positive means?
You currently have an active hepatitis B infection.
HBsAg test full form?
Hepatitis B surface antigen test.
HBsAg rapid test?
A quick screening method giving results within 30 minutes.
What if my HBsAg test is negative?
You don’t have an active infection; vaccination may be recommended.
Why do pregnant women need HBsAg test?
To prevent passing the infection to the newborn.
Is HBsAg test painful?
No, but patient may feel a small uncomfortable prick.
Which test is more reliable for HBsAg, kit or laboratory test?
Reliability is considered more in laboratory test.
