The HBsAg test, short for the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test, is essential for diagnosing hepatitis B, an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Given that hepatitis B impacts a significant global population, with one in three individuals affected and 300 million living with chronic forms of the virus, timely diagnosis is crucial due to its associated risks. The ECLIA (electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyser) HBsAg test detects the Hepatitis B surface antigen in a blood sample, allowing for differentiation between acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) infections.

HBV, among the five hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E), is spread through blood, vaginal secretions, and semen. Hepatitis B symptoms may not show up until several months after infection. Many people recover from the virus within six months, but persistent infections can occur in certain adults and a large percentage of children, especially those who are very young. These chronic cases can cause severe liver damage, including cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver that impairs its function), fibrosis (formation of scar tissue in the liver), and liver cancer.

In Hyderabad, Orange Health Labs offers the convenience of home-based HBsAg testing, providing timely and accurate results at your doorstep. Early detection is vital for starting appropriate treatment and controlling the spread of the virus.

Accurate results and a smooth testing process depend on proper preparation before taking the HBsAg hepatitis test:

• Pre-requisites

For the HBsAg ECLIA test, no special preparation is necessary; you can eat and drink as usual unless your doctor provides specific instructions.

• Best Time to Get Tested

The HBsAg blood test can be taken at any time, but it’s important to get tested promptly if you show signs of hepatitis B or believe you’ve been exposed to the virus.

• Who Should Take the Test

The test is advised for individuals with symptoms such as severe fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain. It’s also recommended for those with risk factors like sexual contact with an infected person, needle sharing, exposure to blood in healthcare settings, or having a mother with hepatitis B. Individuals already diagnosed with hepatitis B might need this test to track the disease’s progress and response to treatment.

• Cautions Before Taking the HBsAg Test

Inform the doctor who is treating you about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as they might affect the test results. Also, discuss any recent vaccinations or illnesses that could influence the test outcomes.

When a liver infection from HBV is suspected, the HBsAg ECLIA test becomes essential. This test is particularly important if you have symptoms of hepatitis B, which may develop gradually and may not be noticeable until the infection is severe or has become chronic. Often, individuals either experience no symptoms or only mild symptoms similar to the flu.

Common symptoms include:

• Muscle aches

• Extreme fatigue

• Fever

• Nausea

• Dark urine

• Loss of appetite

• Skin and eye yellowing (jaundice)

• Abdominal pain

• Swelling and confusion (in severe cases)

The HBsAg test is particularly important for those with risk factors for hepatitis B, such as:

• Living with an HBV-positive person

• Being born to a hepatitis B-positive mother

• Having sexual contact with an HBV-infected person

• Using needles for intravenous drug use

• Working in environments with potential blood exposure, such as healthcare settings

• Having sexual relations with other males

• Having had a blood transfusion or organ transplant (though such cases are rare due to thorough screening)

Furthermore, if you are already diagnosed with hepatitis B, repeating this test can help monitor the infection's status and your response to treatment.

Understanding your HBsAg blood test findings is critical for understanding your current health state and the next stages in your treatment. Interpretation of the test results can be done as follows:

Please note: A negative test result should not be taken as definitive proof of no exposure to or infection by the hepatitis B virus. HBsAg levels may be undetectable in both the initial and late stages of the infection.