Importance OF Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test

The Hepatitis B surface antigen test is a blood test that checks for hepatitis B surface antigens. In addition, this HBSAG test determines if you have recent or chronic contamination with the hepatitis B virus (HBV).

HBV carries antigens on its surface that affect your immune system to produce antibodies. Hepatitis B surface antigen blood test can be detected in your blood within a few days of infection. This is one of the first symptoms of hepatitis B.

HBV is one of the five hepatitis viruses. The remaining are Hepatitis A, C, D, and E. These five viruses cause most hepatitis illnesses.

HBV is spread by body fluid, seminal fluid, and vaginal secretions. It can take several months after infection to build signs and symptoms of hepatitis B. Then, the virus produces a liver illness. This virus generally disappears on its own within half an year. However, the virus continues to stay in a small percentage of adults and a higher percentage of youngsters. This is particularly true for babies. This is referred to as having a permanent infection, causing liver cell damage, scarring, cirrhosis, and cancer.

Importance Of the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test

If your doctor doubts an HBV disease in your liver, you may have this HbSAG blood test. If you have hepatitis B signs and symptoms, this test may also be required. Symptoms frequently appear gradually. Many people have no signs and symptoms or only mild flu situation. You may not have signs and symptoms unless acute or chronic infection.

The most prevalent symptom is excessive exhaustion. Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Appetite loss
• Muscle pain
• Fever
• jaundice
• Dark urine
• Abdominal pain
• Swelling and perplexity

You may also be exposed to this test if you have a history of being open to the virus. The subsequent risk factors for hepatitis B infection are as follows:

• Having intercourse with a virus-infected person
• Living near someone infected with the virus
• Being a man who has sexual relations with other men
• Baby of a virus-infected mother

• Sharing needles
• Working at a hospital where you get exposed to infected blood
• Obtaining blood transfusion or an organ transplant. With active screening, this is less common.

You may have to repeat this test If you have already been diagnosed with hepatitis B to evaluate if your infection is improving.

What are additional tests required with this test?

Your doctor may order other blood tests for HBV. These tests can detect antigens on the virus's surface, envelope, and core and antibodies to these antigens. In addition, the symptoms of all five hepatitis infections are very similar. As a result, this blood test is frequently performed in conjunction with other hepatitis blood tests to inform your provider about the type of virus and stage of illness you may have.

Your doctor may also call for a set of blood tests known as a hepatitis B monitoring panel to verify if your illness is improving.

What do the results of my tests mean?

Your test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and few other factors. In addition, depending on the test center utilized, your test results may change. Therefore, they may not specify that you have a problem. Inquire with your doctor about the importance of your test results.

Negative results reveal that no hepatitis B surface antigen was identified.

If your test results are positive, you may be infected with HBV. In most situations, this indicates that you will be fine in 6 months.

If you recover, you cannot propagate this HBV to others as you will be immune to the virus.

A positive test may also reveal that you have chronic hepatitis B. If you do not recover in 6 months, this HBV virus may remain in your bloodstream, developing liver problems. Again, you can potentially propagate the infection to others. Your doctor may advise medication if you have not yet recovered after 6 months.

Final words

You do not have to prepare for this HBSAG test. However, ensure your doctor knows all the medications and supplements you are taking. This includes unprescribed medicines and any illegal substances you may be using.

This HBSAG blood test examines for hepatitis B surface antigens. In addition, an HBsAb test checks to see if you are safeguarded against hepatitis B, typically due to vaccination or having recovered from the virus. Take an HBSAG test to be safe and keep everyone safe around you.