What is HBsAg Test: Purpose, Normal Range, Results & Prevention | MaxAtHome

1. What is HBsAg Test: Uses, Test Results & Normal Ranges

2. What is HBsAg Test? HBsAg test is a blood examination which detects the existence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the bloodstream of a person. A specific protein on the outer surface of hepatitis B virus is what is known as the surface antigen (HBsAg). In case this antigen is found in blood, it means that an individual is then infected with HBV. HBsAg test constitutes a basic instrument of Hepatitis B infection screening, diagnosis, and management. It is also known as the "Australia Antigen" test. Acute Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) refers to the initial phase of hepatitis B infection that typically lasts less than six months. During this stage, the immune system often clears the virus from the body completely.  Symptoms of acute HBV infection: It can range from mild to severe and usually appear 1 to 4 months after exposure. These symptoms include: Loss of appetite Fatigue Abdominal pain Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Dark urine Nausea and vomiting Joint pain Hepatitis B remains a significant global health concern, and early detection through accurate testing is key to managing and preventing the disease. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test can be defined as one of the most important diagnostic means which is highly utilized in order to identify the presence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the blood. This informative article expounds on questions such as what is the HBsAg test and how to interpret the result of the test, its applicability as well as range values which are considered nor

3. What is the HBsAg Test Used For? Conducting the HBsAg test is significant for the following reasons: • Confirm COVID-19 Hepatitis: It helps confirm the presence of the virus in the bloodstream for both acute and chronic infection phases. • Screening of High-Risk Populations: Individuals with known risk factors like healthcare providers, pregnant women, people with multiple sexual partners, or those who use shared needles are screened with the test on a routine basis. • Evaluate the Risk of Viral Transmission: This test is approved for use as it helps determine if a patient is infectious for the disease. • Evaluate Therapeutic Effectiveness: Individuals who test positive for HBV are monitored using serial testing for HBsAg. The disease is said to be in remission if the individual no longer has HBsAg. This means the virus is suppressed or the patient has fully recovered. • Guiding Vaccination: The test helps determine if vaccination is necessary. A negative HBsAg along with a positive hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs or HBsAb) suggests immunity, usually from vaccination or past infection.

4. Clinical Significance of the HBsAg Test As hepatitis B can lead to severe liver problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer, the HBsAg test can provide the necessary intervention in a patient’s medical care. Timely testing also aids in limiting the spread of the virus as infected individuals can no longer be tracked and diagnosed. For HBsAg positive expecting mothers, screening allows intervention to prevent vertical transmission via vaccination for the child and therefore, during pregnancy, mothers can be properly guided to circumvent transmission from mother to child. When Should You Get an HBsAg Test? The HBsAg test is indicated in these situations. • If the patient displays symptoms of hepatitis B which can be fatigue, jaundice (eyes and skin turning yellow), abdominal soreness, dark coloured urine, unexplained nausea and vomiting. • If you have a history of exposure risk: unprotected intercourse, sharing needles, blood transfusions, or contact with infected persons. • During pregnancy as part of prenatal screening. • For people with chronic liver disease or unexplained abnormal liver function tests. • Before immunosuppressive therapy (to avoid HBV reactivation). • For healthcare workers and other high-risk groups.

5. Conclusion • The HBsAg test is a screening test done to diagnose acute and chronic hepatitis B infection. • A positive HBsAg indicates that there is active infection, a negative test means that there is no infection. • It is important in diagnosis, monitoring the infection, making vaccination decisions, and controlling infections of HBV. If you suspect exposure or have symptoms related to hepatitis B, consult your healthcare provider for an HBsAg test and appropriate follow-up.Reference Link: https://www.maxathome.in/blogs/hbsag-test-normal-range-purpose-results-prevention