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 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 Cost of 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:
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Other tests advised along with HBsAg Rapid Method test
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Offers or discounts
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Empanelment of the patient
What is the Purpose of the Hbsag Rapid Method ?
HBsAg Rapid Method is advised for following analysis:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 the 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:
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Are pregnant
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Didn’t receive a hepatitis B vaccine
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Are HIV-positive
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Use injectable drugs
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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:
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Fever
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Dark urine
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Fatigue
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Gray- or clay-colored stools
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Pain in the joints or abdomen
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Yellowish skin and eyes
Preparation for Hbsag Rapid Method
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Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the HBsAg Rapid Method.
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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.
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Drink adequate water before sample collection.
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Avoid vigorous physical activity before the sample collection.
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Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.