HBsAg Screen (Qualitative) Test Cost & Procedure

Description

Anti-HBs are a sign of clinical improvement and subsequent immunity to the hepatitis B virus. Those who are more likely to be exposed to the hepatitis B virus might utilise this test to assess their potential immunity (ie, venipuncturists, hemodialysis unit personnel, etc). determines whether hepatitis B immune globulin is necessary after a needlestick injury, as well as whether hepatitis B vaccination is necessary and how the immune system responds to it.

Anti-HBs expression does not necessarily mean that a hepatitis infection has been successfully treated or that a person is immune to future infections. Due to the fact that the hepatitis B virus has numerous serologic subtypes, it is feasible (and has been recorded) for a patient to have antibodies to one surface antigen type while being infected with a virus of a different subtype. Thus, a patient may have both HBsAg and anti-HBs coexisting. Hepatitis B surface antigen antibody testing for transfused people or haemophiliacs receiving plasma components may result in false-positive results.

Informational Supplement

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is an easily recognised serological marker of acute or chronic hepatitis B infection. After HBV infection, HBsAg is the first antigen to manifest and is often found 1–10 weeks after the onset of clinical signs. In order to identify whether an infection has cleared up or the patient has turned into a chronic carrier of the virus, HBsAg testing are frequently used to diagnose suspected HBV infection.

What to anticipate during the test

A blood sample will be drawn by a medical professional for examination.

Before the test, let them know if you have ever fainted at the sight of blood or if there are any needles that make you uncomfortable. To lessen your chance of passing out, they could give you a snack.

You might experience a little pain as the needle enters your skin, and you might develop a bruise at the location of the draw for a few days.

Findings are typically available in a few days or, at most, a few weeks.

What it does

The polymerase chain reaction is used to carry out the HCB RNA PCR test (PCR). This technique has two methods: qualitative and quantitative.

What the qualitative findings indicate

The qualitative findings show that you have HCV in your blood. There will be a "detected" or "undetected" outcome for the test.

“Detected indicates that the virus is present in your blood. "Undetected" denotes the absence of the virus in your blood or the presence of a negligible amount that is undetectable by this test.

The qualitative test findings may still be positive even though your viral load has fallen dramatically due to treatment.

Quality assessment

A diagnosis of HCB is frequently made with this test.

The qualitative test is frequently the second test a physician would run to determine whether HCB is present in the patient's blood. That usually happens after the HCV antibody test.