The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test is a key diagnostic tool for identifying hepatitis B, a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). With a substantial global prevalence—affecting about one-third of the population and with 300 million people suffering from chronic infection—early detection is vital due to the serious health risks associated with hepatitis B. The HBsAg ECLIA (electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyser) method identifies the presence of the Hepatitis B surface antigen in blood, helping to determine if the infection is recent or longstanding.

HBV is one of the five hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E) and is transmitted through blood, vaginal fluids, and semen. Symptoms of hepatitis B may not appear until months after the initial infection. Even while the virus usually goes away in six months for most individuals, persistent infections can occur in certain adults and a large percentage of children, especially newborns. These chronic cases can lead to conditions such as liver cirrhosis (severe liver scarring that affects liver function), liver fibrosis (development of scar tissue in the liver), or even liver cancer.

Residents of Mumbai can easily get the HBsAg test done at home through Orange Health Labs, allowing for prompt and precise results in the comfort of your own comfort space. Early testing is crucial for starting treatment and preventing the spread of hepatitis B.

Ensuring proper preparation for the HBsAg hepatitis test is key to obtaining accurate results and a seamless testing experience:

• Pre-requisites

No special preparation is required for the HBsAg ECLIA test; you can eat and drink normally unless your doctor advises otherwise.

• Best Time to Get Tested

The HBsAg blood test can be performed at any time. However, it’s important to get tested right away if you exhibit symptoms of hepatitis B or suspect you have been exposed to the virus.

• Who Should Take the Test

This test is recommended for individuals displaying symptoms of hepatitis B, such as severe fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain. It is also advised for those with risk factors, including being born to a hepatitis B-positive mother, needle sharing, unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, or working in healthcare (with blood exposure). Those already diagnosed with hepatitis B may need this test to monitor the infection and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

• Cautions Before Taking the HBsAg Test

Notify your treating doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are using, as these could affect test results. Also, inform your doctor about any recent vaccinations or illnesses, as they might influence the test outcome.

The HBsAg ECLIA test is critical if there is a concern about a liver infection from HBV. It is especially needed if you are showing symptoms of hepatitis B, which often appear gradually and may not become apparent until the infection is either severe or chronic. Many people either have no symptoms or experience only mild, flu-like symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite

• Extreme fatigue

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Muscle aches

• Fever

• Skin and eye yellowing (jaundice)

• Dark urine

• Swelling and confusion (in severe cases)

The test is also essential for individuals with risk factors for hepatitis B infection, including:

• Sharing needles for intravenous drug use

• Being born to a mother who carries the virus

• Having sexual contact with someone infected with HBV

• Working in healthcare settings where there is exposure to blood

• Residing with someone who has HBV

• Engaging in sexual contact with other males

• Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant (though this is less common due to rigorous screening)

Additionally, if you have been previously diagnosed with hepatitis B, this test might be repeated to track the infection's progress and evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment.

It's critical to understand the outcomes of your HBsAg blood test in order to decide on your current state of health and the course of your treatment. Interpretation of the test results can be done as follows:

Remember, a negative result does not necessarily mean that you are not exposed to or infected with the hepatitis B virus. HBsAg levels can be too low to detect during both the early and late stages of the infection.