Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test, which screens for acute and chronic HBV infections by detecting HBV surface antigens. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. HBV is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact but can also be transmitted through other body fluids. Common forms of exposure to HBV vary based on geographical area, but often occur during childbirth and infancy, when sharing needles for intravenous drug use, or during unprotected sex.

There are two types of hepatitis B infections: acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis B is a short-lived infection that usually resolves on its own within a few weeks to six months. However, around 5 to 10% of patients with acute hepatitis B progress to having chronic hepatitis B, which is a long-term infection lasting six months or longer. People with chronic hepatitis B are at an increased risk of developing complications, including severe damage to the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer.

The Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein that appears on the surface of the HBV virus. This protein can be detected in high levels during both acute and chronic hepatitis B infections. The HBsAg test can be used to screen for both acute and chronic HBV infections.

When should I order a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced acute or chronic HBV infection symptoms. Common signs or symptoms of this condition include:

• Dark urine
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Gray- or clay-colored stools
• Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
• Pain in the joints or abdomen
• Yellowish skin and eyes