HBsAg Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Need, Results, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to the HbsAg Test

Hepatitis B, a global health issue affecting millions, requires our understanding of prevention and effective management. The WHO reports that in 2022, 235 million people were living with chronic Hepatitis B, increasing by 1.2 million annually. Hepatitis B is a concerning issue, so it is always recommended that you get yourself tested as soon as you start discovering symptoms.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It can range from mild symptoms and illness that may last for a few days or weeks (acute) to a serious, lifelong condition (chronic) that can lead to liver disease or liver cancer. The virus is highly contagious and may have severe consequences if not managed properly.

This is why you must get yourself tested if you think or your doctor suspects that you have symptoms of Hepatitis B. An HBsAg Panel Test determines whether someone suffers from Hepatitis B or A. If you have been suggested to get this test done and are looking for a place to book a test, you can get it done from Redcliffe Labs. We provide home sample collection services and are known to provide accurate test reports within the stipulated timeframe.

Test Details:

What is the HBsAg Test?

The Hepatitis B antigen is the protein whose level in the body rises when the person is infected with Hepatitis B disease. 

The Hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) test is a critical diagnostic tool to identify infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This test helps to detect the presence of HBsAg, a protein found on the virus's surface, in the blood. HBsAg indicates that a person is currently infected with HBV and can potentially transmit the virus to others.

Purpose of the HBsAg Test

The purpose of the HBSAg test is to detect the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the blood. This test helps in the following cases: -

1. It helps to identify active HBV infection in individuals.
2. The test helps detect chronic carriers of the virus, who may not show symptoms but can spread the infection.
3. If you are undergoing any treatment for hepatitis B then it helps in evaluating how well the current treatment is working.
4. It helps in preventing the transmission of hepatitis B from mother to child during childbirth.
5. The test ensures safe blood donations by detecting HBV in potential donors.

The HBSAg test is essential for the early detection, management, and prevention of hepatitis B.

When to get the HBsAg Test Done?

The symptoms of Hepatitis B may vary depending on how acute or chronic the condition might be, but this does not mean that one can ignore the signs and not get tested. It does not take time for something acute to become chronic, so get tested and start your medication as soon as possible. Here are some of the symptoms of both chronic and acute Hepatitis B:

Acute Hepatitis B Symptoms:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Chronic Hepatitis B Symptoms:

• Often asymptomatic for years
• Persistent fatigue
• Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
• Joint pain
• Liver cirrhosis and liver cancer (in severe cases)

Jaundice (in advanced cases)

According to the WHO, acute Hepatitis is curable, but if someone has chronic hepatitis and doesn't get a proper diagnosis or treatment, it can turn fatal. This is why it is always recommended that you get your HBsAg Test done if there are acute or chronic conditions or symptoms.

Who is at risk of developing the HBsAg test? 

Symptoms show the right time for taking the HBsAg test. However, certain people are at risk, irrespective of age, gender, and color. 

1. People with a history of STDs or had multiple partners 
2. People with a past HCV infection 
3. Babies born with HBsAg-positive 
4. People who have formerly been incarcerated in jail or prison. 
5. People who took the drug infection
6. People with HIV infection
7. Men who have intercourse with men 
8. People born in the region 

Preparations Before the HBsAg Test:

No special set of rules must be followed before taking the HBsAg blood test. However, these are some basic guidelines to be followed:

• You are not required to fast before taking the HBsAg test, but if your health requires it, talk to your physician about any special dietary requirements.
• If you are pregnant, you might be taking any medication or supplements. It is important to inform your doctor about that as well. You do not have to panic in such situations; they will also tell you the solution if they think there is an issue. 
• It is a blood test, so avoiding any workouts or yoga before taking the test is always recommended.
• It is always advised that you skip smoking or drinking alcohol before taking the test because there are high chances that it may alter your test results, and you will not be able to get accurate test results.

Following the above steps, you will be fine while getting tested, and no exceptional preparation will be required before the blood test.

The procedure for the HBsAg test:

This HBsAg test is like any other blood test; it does not take more than 5-10 minutes for the phlebotomist to take the blood sample. The procedure for getting the test is as follows:

• The phlebotomist, on arrival, tells you to make a fist and ties a band around your arm.
• They tell you to make a fist so the veins are properly visible.
• They disinfect the area from which the blood is to be drawn.
• Then, a thin, sterile needle is inserted into the vein to draw blood, and after the needle is removed, a bandage is put on the punctured area.
• After drawing the blood, they put it in a vial, seal it, and label it.
• This vial is then taken to the laboratory to be tested.

Keep in mind that this is not a painful process. It may sting when the syringe is injected, and blood is drawn from the body, but that is about it. This sensation goes away in a day or two, so if you are experiencing the pain or the sting for a longer period, you must consult your doctor to find out what is wrong.

Risks Associated with the HBsAg Test

The HBsAg test has no major risk. It is a blood test that can cause: 

1. Slight pain 
2. Excessive bleeding 
3. Bruises 
4. Weakness 
5. Hematoma 
6. Lightheadedness 
7. Fatigue 

How to Prevent Hepatitis B?

Preventing Hepatitis B is crucial and highly achievable through various methods:

• Vaccination: The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe, effective, and the best way to prevent infection. It is typically given in a series of three or four shots.
• Safe Sex Practices: Use condoms and ensure mutual monogamy with a partner who is not infected.
• Avoid Sharing Needles: Use only sterile needles and syringes for injections.
• Personal Hygiene: Avoid sharing personal items, such as razors or toothbrushes, that might have blood on them.

Yes, you can prevent Hepatitis, a disease impacting millions of people, by following these few tips. Remember that Hepatitis can be prevented, and these are some ways to do so.

Understanding The HBsAg Test Results:

Consult your HBsAg reports with your doctor. Doctor HBsAg test results can be interpreted in two ways. The reports can show a positive or negative result, which determines the person is infected with the Hepatitis B virus.

The range considered for the determining HBsAg test is between 0.5 and 250 IU/Ml (international unit per milliliter). If your HBsAg Test result is above 250, you may suffer Hepatitis B.

The normal results of an HBsAg test are Negative. This indicates that no active Hepatitis virus antigens are present in the blood.

The HBsAg test may not help determine the severity of the condition, but it plays an important role in identifying the infection.

Table Explaining the HBsAg Test Results 

Understanding the HBsAg test result is important for you, too. The test result includes HBsAg, total anti-HBc, IgM anti-HBc, and anti-HBs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive test results to determine whether you have acute or chronic HBV infection. 

How to Treat Hepatitis B?

The treatment methods depend on whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Acute Hepatitis B:

Often, no specific treatment is needed. Rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids are usually sufficient.

Monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential.

Chronic Hepatitis B:

Antiviral medications can help manage the Hepatitis virus and reduce the risk of liver damage.

 Regular monitoring of liver health and viral load.

 In severe cases, the doctor may recommend a liver transplant. 

As mentioned before, according to the WHO, the person suffering from chronic Hepatitis B is at high risk of developing Liver disease or liver cancer, which is fatal, so it is recommended that one gets tested when there is time so that the treatment can be started within time.

Tips for Living with Hepatitis B?

Managing Hepatitis B involves regular medical care and lifestyle changes to protect the liver. This includes:

• Alcohol is known to be harmful to the body, so if you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B, you should avoid drinking at all costs.
• Certain medications can impact your liver, and for a person suffering from Hepatitis B, the organ that is at most risk is the kidney, so talk to your doctor and get yourself alternate medication.
• Eating a healthy diet.
• Getting regular exercise.
• Keeping up with vaccinations and routine medical check-ups.

If you have been diagnosed with Hepatitis B and are receiving treatment, these few tips can help you go about your life, enhance your possibility of healing faster, and make your battle with Hepatitis B easier. 

HBsAg Test Price

You can get your HBsAg Test done at Redcliffe Labs. The free T3 test price at our labs is INR 999. These prices may differ from lab to lab, so you must research before booking the test. However, at Redcliffe Labs, we try to keep the prices as minimal as possible to make them inclusive for everyone. We provide home sample collection services so you can get yourself tested from the comfort of your home and even receive lab reports online without the hassle of being in long queues.

We are the name of trust for 50,000+ healthcare providers for accurate test results in a stipulated time frame, so don't wait—get yourself tested from Healthy India ki Trusted Lab.

Hbsag Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer HBsAg Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.