HBsAg Rapid Qualitative Test Cost & Procedure

The system comprises of a membrane that has immobilised anti-HBsAg antibodies in the test region. During the test, the sample is positioned so that it will react with a conjugate that has particles attached to anti-HBsAg antibodies. The conjugate forms complexes with the sample's HBsAg. The antigen-conjugate complex moves across the membrane after the addition of the buffer and locates the test area where the anti-HBsAg antibody is bound.

As a result, a coloured line is created that shows the sample contains HBsAg antigen. If the control line, which serves as the method's control, is present in the test but there is no test line, the result is presumed to be negative.

Synonyms

• HBsAg
• HBVsHepatitis-associated Antigen
• HBV quality surface antigen

Test Contains

A neutralising assay is used as recommended, at no additional cost, to confirm positive results.

• Without additional testing, samples with an index value over a predetermined threshold and positive outcomes for other hepatitis B markers are regarded as positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (neutralization testing is not performed).

• Samples with an index value above a predetermined threshold that have no further hepatitis B marker positive results or with an index value below a predetermined threshold that are positive are confirmed by neutralisation.

Particular Directions

When a sample from a subject who is taking a supplement containing a high amount of biotin is taken for this test, interference may be seen (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is advised to discuss biotin supplementation with all individuals who might be suggested for this test. Patients should be advised to abstain from biotin for at least 72 hours before to sample collection.

Use

Along with additional serological and clinical data, this assay can be used to identify persons who have acute or chronic hepatitis B infection. This assay may potentially be used to screen pregnant women for hepatitis B infection in order to identify neonates who are at risk of getting the disease during the perinatal period.

Limitations

It is possible for patients who do not have HBsAg to yet have acute type B viral hepatitis. Sometimes, after HBsAg has become negative but before the patient has generated the antibody, this is known as the "core window" stage (anti-HBs). Anti-HBc, IgM is the only specific marker for the diagnosis of acute hepatitis B infection in such circumstances, and both anti-HBc tests are typically positive.

A battery of tests to assess various stages of acute and convalescent hepatitis should be included in serologic testing in cases when there is a high clinical likelihood that the patient has viral hepatitis rather than just looking for HBsAg.