HBeAg Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Preparation, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to Hepatitis B e-Antigen (HBeAg) Test

The Hepatitis B e-Antigen (HBeAg) Test determines the presence or absence of detectable hepatitis B virus e antigen and antibody in monitoring the infection status of people with chronic hepatitis B. HBeAg stands for hepatitis B e-antigen, which is a protein from the hepatitis B virus. When an individual is infected with a hepatitis B infection, their immune system produces antibodies to fight off the infection. If HBeAg is present in the blood, there is an active infection with the hepatitis B virus, which is highly contagious. However, suppose the HBeAg is absent, and the corresponding antibody anti-HBe is present. In that case, it indicates a lower risk of transmission and a lower risk of developing complications from hepatitis B. 

Hepatitis B is a liver disease. The test is ordered for individuals with chronic hepatitis B. So, a doctor may suggest the Hbeag test to monitor the disease progression in the liver. The test is also done to track patients' responses to treatment. If your doctor has suggested an HBeAg test, you can book it now with Redcliffe Labs. Ours is the best diagnostic center and lab that maintains a patient-centered approach, providing home sample collection in India. So, why wait? Book your Hbeag test with Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab, Redcliffe Labs!

Test Details:

What is the purpose of the test? 

HbeAg stands for hepatitis B e-antigen. Hepatitis B e-antigen is a protein found in the blood when you have an active hepatitis B infection. The HBeAg test aims to diagnose the presence or absence of the active hepatitis B virus. 

The presence of hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) indicates active viral replication and is, thus, a surrogate marker for the presence of hepatitis B virus DNA. When the test is positive, the patient is very infectious, and a person is considered less infectious in the case of a negative result. 

HBeAg Test during Pregnancy

The HBeAg blood test is performed on pregnant women to screen for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and indicate the presence of a hepatitis B virus infection. 

If the HBeAg test is positive, the baby might get an infection. A healthcare provider may order other tests along with the HBeAg to prevent the virus from passing on to the newborn. Proper and timely medications can prevent the child from being affected by this disease. 

HBeAg in People with Chronic Hepatitis B 

Individuals with a hepatitis B antigen in their blood have chronic hepatitis. However, if not diagnosed beforehand, there are chances that hepatitis B might develop into liver fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. 

What does the HBeAg test detect? 

The HBeAg is abbreviated as the hepatitis B envelope antigen. The HBeAg test detects how much virus is present in the blood due to active viral replication. It is a type of liver function test that helps to accurately diagnose the extent of hepatitis B infection in the patient. Hence, this test plays a crucial role in diagnosing liver disease. 

If the HBeAg test is positive, it can cause great health concerns because the virus tends to grow and function strongly in the body.

If the HBeAG blood test is negative, the hepatitis B virus is very low or inactive in the blood, and the person is less susceptible. 

What is the preparation for the HBeAg test?

Hepatitis B is one of the most serious liver infections globally, caused by the hepatitis B virus. This virus can attack and injure your liver. The HBeAg is a blood test, and no special preparation is needed. However, step-by-step information is provided regarding the preparation for the HBeAg blood test. 

• No fasting is required before the test. You can usually drink or eat before the test. 
• If you take any prescribed or non-prescribed medicines, inform your doctor before the test. Certain ingredients in medicines can influence the test results, so only take or avoid medicine with your doctor’s guidance. 

• Strenuous exercises can cause hormone fluctuations. Avoid them. 

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about the test's need, risks, or procedure. Try to remain calm and not panic before and during the test. Whatever your HBeAg test results are, your healthcare provider ensures you are treated well. 

What is the procedure for the hepatitis B antigen test?

The procedure for the hepatitis b e antigen test includes the following: 

• The phlebotomist will arrive at your place with a home sample collection kit. 
• He will tie a band around your arm to ensure the vein is visible. Then, he will clean the site with a disinfectant to prevent infection. 
• Next, the phlebotomist inserts a syringe into the vein to draw blood. Once the blood is drawn, he removes the syringe and applies a bandage to the puncture site to prevent excessive bleeding or minimize the chances of infection. 
• Lastly, he will transfer the collected blood to the vial and send it to the laboratory for analysis. 

What does the hepatitis B antigen test report indicate?

The hepatitis B antigen test report indicates whether a person has an acute or chronic hepatitis HBV infection. 

Your HBeAg test results may vary depending on your age, gender, and other factors, such as health history. They may also depend on the lab where the test is performed.

Normal HBeAg test results are negative or nonreactive, meaning no hepatitis B surface antigen is detected. 

A positive test report for HBeAg indicates high virus levels in the blood and the individual is highly infectious. However, a negative report for HBeAg indicates that the virus may not be reproducing in the liver. 

Whatever the results, ask your healthcare provider what your HBeAg test results mean for you. 

What if the HBeAg test reports are positive?

If your HbeAg lab test reports are positive, it indicates an active infection with the hepatitis B virus. The virus actively multiplies. 

A positive HBeAg indicates high virus levels in the blood, and the person is considered infectious. Individuals with a positive HBeAg test report are treated in two ways: interferon (IFN) and nucleus (t) ide analogs (NAs). However, NAs are mostly used in treating HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients for several reasons. 

Who should take the Hbeag test?

A healthcare provider recommends the HBeag test for individuals whom he suspects have a liver infection caused by HBV. They may need this test if they have symptoms of hepatitis B. However, the symptoms of hepatitis B often start slowly, and sometimes, there are no symptoms at all until the infection becomes severe or chronic. Otherwise, they only feel like a mild case of the flu. 

The HBeAg test is crucial for healthcare workers, ethnic communities, and other infected patients. Pregnant women living with an infected person should also take a test. Early detection will prevent the infection from passing on to her child.

What are the risk factors associated with the test?

The HBeAg test is 100% safe and secure. It involves inserting a small needle into the vein and drawing blood into an attached vial. The HBeAg blood test often takes less than five minutes. The phlebotomist is well-trained and certified and ensures a painless blood collection procedure. Some people do have a fear of needles, and they may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint before the test. 

Inserting and removing a needle might cause slight pain, infection, or a little bruise on the puncture site. However, the pain or bruise will fade away after a few days. If the symptoms don’t disappear, you should seek medical attention immediately. 

What are the risks involved with the disease?

The risk of developing cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer depends on how fast the virus multiplies and how strong your immune system is to control the infection. 

The development of complications is higher in men than in women and as age increases, 

Besides, individuals with excessive weight or diabetes have an increased risk of developing fatty livers, resulting in the progression of liver disease in people with hepatitis B. 

Nevertheless, the problem can intensify by drinking alcohol, having an HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS), or having chronic hepatitis C or D (a virus that depends on hepatitis B). 

What are the common symptoms related to the disease?

The hepatitis B infection can spread through contact with the blood, vaginal fluids, semen, and other body fluids of individuals already diagnosed with the disease. Besides, the hepatitis B infection can also be transmitted to an infant during childbirth if the mother is infected. 

Early symptoms of the HBeAg test include loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, vomiting, a low-grade fever, and muscle and joint pain. However, if the problem is chronic, you may not even look sick or have any symptoms. 

What is the HBeAg test price at Redcliffe Labs?

If your doctor has suggested an HBeAg test, book it without delay. HBeAg is a hepatitis B e-antigen, a viral protein made by the hepatitis B virus. It is secreted by the infected liver cells into the blood. The HBeAg test shows how much virus is present in the blood due to very active viral replication. 

If your doctor has suggested the HBeAg blood test based on your reports, you can book now with Redcliffe Labs. Get tested from the comfort of your home. The HBeAg test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 1000. Once booked, our phlebotomist will come to your doorstep with a home sample collection, ensuring painless blood collection. Express slots are also available for the HBeAg to get a sample picked within 45 minutes and accurate reports within a given time frame. So, what are you waiting for? Book the HBeAg test now! 

Hepatitis B e-Antigen (HBeAg) Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Hepatitis B e-Antigen (HBeAg) Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Conclusion

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can seriously threaten your liver. An HBeAg blood test is crucial for those having unprotected sex with an infected partner or health workers exposed to blood and other body fluids in the course of their work, having been on long-term kidney dialysis, being born to an infected hepatitis B mother, or sharing needles during drug use. 

A hepatitis B antigen test can detect a person’s hepatitis B status by examining biomarkers in the blood, such as hepatitis B surface antigen. It protects a person against the hepatitis B virus. After checking for these biomarkers, they will then be able to recommend suitable treatment options.