Overview
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the first serologic marker appearing in the serum at 6 to 16 weeks following exposure to HBV. In acute infection, HBsAg usually disappears in 1 to 2 months after the onset of symptoms. Persistence of HBsAg for more than 6 months in duration indicates development of either a chronic carrier state or chronic HBV infection. HBsAg HEPA CARD is used for detection of surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus. It can detect all the eleven sub-types of HBsAG It has a sensitivity of 100% and Specificity:99.4% according to WHO Evaluation.
What is the HBsAg Rapid Method ?
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) is the first serologic marker appearing in the serum at 6 to 16 weeks following exposure to HBV. In Acute infection, HBsAg usually disappears in 1 to 2 months after the onset of symptoms. Persistence of HBsAg for more than 6 months in duration indicates development of either a chronic carrier state or chronic HBV infection. HBsAg HEPA CARD is used for detection of surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus. It can detect all the eleven sub-types of HBsAG. It has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity: 99.4% according to WHO evaluation.
What is the Purpose of the HBsAg Rapid Method ?
HBsAg Rapid Method is advised for following analysis:
- Screening for HBV: The goal of screening tests is to identify a disease before symptoms appear. Since many hepatitis B patients don't exhibit any symptoms, screening for the illness allows for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of unintentionally infecting others. If your risk of catching hepatitis B is high, you might undergo such screening.
- Diagnosing and Evaluating HBV infection: If you are currently infected with hepatitis B, this test can determine whether the infection is acute or chronic, and if it is contagious.
- Assessing past HBV Infection and Future Immunity: Hepatitis B tests can determine whether your immunity to the virus is a result of receiving an HBV vaccination or of recovering from an earlier infection. Testing for hepatitis B can also be used to determine who is more vulnerable to HBV reactivation and to evaluate whether vaccinations successfully produced immunity.
- Monitoring HBV Infections: Following a diagnosis of hepatitis B, testing may be necessary to track the illness, identify complications, and evaluate a patient's reaction to therapy.
When is a HBsAg Rapid Method Recommended ?
For some populations with a Higher Risk of Infection, Hepatitis B testing is advised as a means of screening for HBV. A Hepatitis B screening could be helpful if you:
- Are pregnant
- Didn’t receive a hepatitis B vaccine
- Are HIV-positive
- Use injectable drugs
- Are at risk of HBV infection due to sexual exposure
Based on your symptoms, medical and family history, as well as a physical examination, a doctor may prescribe hepatitis testing. When results from other tests assessing liver health are abnormal, hepatitis tests may also be run as follow-up investigations. When someone exhibits symptoms that may be related to hepatitis B, testing is frequently performed.
Hepatitis B symptoms include:
- Fever
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gray- or clay-colored stools
- Pain in the joints or abdomen
- Yellowish skin and eyes
Preparation for HBsAg Rapid Method
- Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the HBsAg Rapid Method.
- Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to a HBsAg Rapid Method. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
- Drink adequate water before sample collection.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity before the sample collection.
- Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.
What is the Cost of a HBsAg Rapid Method ?
The Price of a HBsAg Rapid Method test is Rs. 500. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:
- Other tests advised along with HBsAg Rapid Method test
- Offers or discounts
- Empanelment of the patient
Components of HBsAg Rapid Method
HBsAg: These are proteins that are present on the surface of HBV body. High levels of these proteins are found in cases of acute or chronic hepatitis B infection. This test may be used to identify, screen for, and assist in the diagnosis of both acute and long-term HBV infections.
Interpreting the HBsAg Rapid Method Results
Since there are many possibilities for hepatitis B testing, it is crucial to collaborate with a medical professional or other specialist when interpreting test results. The following are some possible interpretations of the results of the HBsAg Rapid Method:
Possibilities of Positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) |
Possibilities of Negative Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) |
No active or prior infection; not immune |
Acute infection (active) |
Immune due to vaccination |
|
Immune due to resolved infection |
Chronic infection (active) |
Several possible interpretations |
|
How is the HBsAg Rapid Method Done ?
The Blood Sample for HBsAg Rapid Method is taken in following steps:
- The area where the needle will be inserted to take your blood is cleaned with an antiseptic alcohol wipe. The hollow on the inside side of the elbow or the tip of the finger are the most common sites for this.
- A tourniquet or a band is tied around your upper arm to facilitate the access to the vein in your arm.
- A needle is used to puncture your vein. The blood sample is collected into a test tube attached to the needle. The needle may cause a small pinch or sting when it is inserted.
- Once the vial or test tube is filled, the blood sample collection for the test is finished and the needle is taken out.
- Finger pressure is applied on the puncture site to stop the bleeding and the band aid is applied at the site.
- Blood collection typically takes less than five minutes.
- Temporary throbbing and bruising, as well as mild discomfort or stinging when the needle is inserted, are all possible side effects of a blood draw.
How to Schedule A HBsAg Rapid Method with Dr. B. Lal Lab ?
- Go to the Dr. B. Lal Lab website.
- Go to the “Book a test” tab.
- Select the “Lab Test” tab.
- Type “HBsAg Rapid Method” in the search bar.
- Click on the test.
- The test page with all the test details will show up.
- Click on “Book Now”.
- Login and verify your mobile number with OTP.
- Now enter your details.
- Select date & time for booking HBsAg Rapid Method in Jaipur.
- Check out.