The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test plays a crucial role in diagnosing hepatitis B, an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). With a large portion of the global population affected—about one in three people—and 300 million individuals suffering from chronic infection, early diagnosis is important due to the severe consequences of the disease. The HBsAg ECLIA (electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyser) test checks for the Hepatitis B surface antigen in blood samples to determine whether the infection is new or ongoing.

HBV, one of the five known hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E), is spread via blood, vaginal secretions, and semen. Hepatitis B symptoms may take months to appear after infection. Most individuals will clear the virus within six months, but a small number of adults and a higher proportion of children, particularly newborns, may develop chronic infections. These chronic cases can lead to liver conditions such as cirrhosis (severe liver scarring that affects liver function), fibrosis (development of scar tissue in the liver), or liver cancer.

For people living in Noida, Orange Health Labs offers a convenient home testing service for HBsAg, providing timely and accurate results without the need to leave home. Early testing is essential for initiating treatment and controlling the spread of the infection.

To ensure accurate results and a smooth experience, it's important to follow proper preparation guidelines for the HBsAg hepatitis test:

• Pre-requisites

No special preparation is needed for the HBsAg ECLIA test, and you can continue eating and drinking normally unless your doctor provides any other instructions.

• Best Time to Get Tested

The HBsAg blood test can be performed at any time. However, it is advisable to get tested immediately if you have symptoms of hepatitis B or think you might have been exposed to the virus.

• Who Should Take the Test

The test is recommended for people with symptoms like abdominal pain, severe fatigue, or jaundice. It is also advised for those with risk factors, such as having sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles, working in environments with blood exposure, or being born to a mother with hepatitis B. Individuals already diagnosed with hepatitis B might need this test to assess the progression of their condition and the effectiveness of treatment.

• Cautions Before Taking the HBsAg Test

Inform your treating doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as these could affect the test results. Also, mention any recent vaccinations or illnesses that might influence the outcome.

If your doctor suspects a liver infection from HBV, the HBsAg ECLIA test is essential. This test is particularly important if you display symptoms of hepatitis B, which can emerge gradually and might not be noticeable until the infection is advanced or chronic. Many individuals may have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain

• Extreme fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Muscle aches

• Fever

• Skin and eye yellowing (jaundice)

• Dark urine

• Swelling and confusion (in severe cases)

The HBsAg test is crucial for those with certain risk factors for hepatitis B, such as:

• Being born to a mother who carries the virus

• Living with someone infected with HBV

• Engaging in sexual activities with an HBV-positive person

• Using needles for intravenous drug use

• Working in a healthcare environment with blood exposure

• Sexual contact between males

• Having a history of blood transfusions or organ transplants (less common due to thorough screening)

Additionally, if you have a previous hepatitis B diagnosis, this test may be repeated to assess the infection's progress and treatment response.

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

Please be aware that a negative test result does not ensure that you are free from exposure to or infection with the hepatitis B virus. HBsAg levels can be too low to detect during both the early and later stages of the infection.