The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test, or HBsAg test is commonly used to diagnose hepatitis B, a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Given that hepatitis B affects a significant number of people worldwide—about one-third of the population and 300 million with chronic infection—early detection is critical due to the severe health risks involved. The ECLIA (electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyser) version of the HBsAg test identifies the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen in the blood, helping to distinguish between recent and long-term infections.

HBV belongs to the group of the five hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E). It is spread by blood, vaginal secretions, and sperm. Symptoms of hepatitis B may not become apparent until several months after infection. While many people clear the virus on their own within six months, some adults, and a greater number of children, especially newborns, might develop chronic infections. Chronic hepatitis B can result in severe liver damage, including fibrosis (formation of scar tissue in the liver), cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver that impairs its function), and liver cancer.

In Gurgaon, Orange Health Labs offers the convenience of performing the HBsAg test at home, ensuring you receive prompt and accurate results in a comfortable setting. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and preventing further spread of the disease.

Proper preparation for the HBsAg hepatitis test is crucial for both accurate results and an efficient testing process:

• Pre-requisites

The HBsAg ECLIA test requires no special preparation, allowing you to eat and drink normally unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

• Best Time to Get Tested

The HBsAg blood test can be carried out at any time, but it’s important to seek testing right away if you experience symptoms of hepatitis B or have been exposed to the virus.

• Who Should Take the Test

This test is advised for those who show symptoms such as jaundice, extreme fatigue, or abdominal pain. It is also recommended for individuals with risk factors including needle sharing, sexual contact with an infected person, healthcare work involving blood exposure, or being born to a hepatitis B-positive mother. Those already diagnosed with hepatitis B might need this test to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy.

• Cautions Before Taking the HBsAg Test

Let your treating doctor know about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as they may affect the test results. Additionally, discuss any recent vaccinations or illnesses that could impact the test outcome.

The HBsAg ECLIA test is crucial when your doctor suspects a liver infection due to HBV. It's especially important if you have symptoms of hepatitis B, which can develop slowly and might not become apparent until the infection is severe or chronic. Many have minor flu-like symptoms or show no symptoms at all.

Common symptoms include:

• Skin and eye yellowing (jaundice)

• Extreme fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Dark urine

• Nausea

• Muscle aches

• Fever

• Abdominal pain

• Swelling and confusion (in severe cases)

The test is vital for individuals at risk of hepatitis B infection, including those who:

• Have had sexual contact with someone with HBV

• Were born to a hepatitis B-infected mother

• Share needles for intravenous drug use

• Have sexual relations with other males

• Live with an individual with HBV

• Work in healthcare settings where blood exposure occurs

• Have received a blood transfusion or organ transplant (less likely due to active screening)

If you have previously been diagnosed with hepatitis B, repeating this test can help in monitoring the infection's progression and evaluating your treatment's effectiveness.

Interpreting your HBsAg blood test outcomes is critical when evaluating your health condition and the next stages in the course of treatment. Interpretation of the test results can be done as follows:

Keep in mind that a negative HBsAg test result does not guarantee that there is no exposure to or infection with hepatitis B. The levels of HBsAg might be too low to be detected during both the early and advanced stages of the infection.