HBsAg Screening - Rapid

Also known as Hepatitis Bs Ag, Australia Ag

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding HBsAg Screening - Rapid

What is HBsAg Screening - Rapid?

An HBsAg Screening - Rapid test helps determine the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by detecting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood sample. In addition to HBV screening, this test also confirms any previous HBV infection and helps monitor the ongoing treatment for hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and causes liver inflammation. It is transmitted when the blood, semen, or other body fluids from an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; by sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment; due to infected blood transfusion; or during pregnancy or delivery. Hepatitis B vaccination is the safest and most effective practice to prevent this infection.

Following initial infection, most of the infected individuals do not exhibit any symptoms. However, some of the common symptoms are fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, joint pain, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, and the yellowing of skin and eyes. An HBsAg Screening - Rapid test helps to identify individuals infected with the virus and enables the doctor to start appropriate treatment. Early disease detection can prevent complications resulting from the infection and further virus transmission. This test also helps distinguish HBV infection from other forms of hepatitis. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends testing people who may be at an increased risk of infection, have come in contact with an already infected person, or show the specified symptoms.

Usually, no special preparation is needed for this test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help the doctor determine your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.

What is HBsAg Screening - Rapid used for?

An HBsAg Screening - Rapid test is done to:

Screen for hepatitis B infection if an individual has been exposed to HBV or has symptoms associated with liver disease.
Screen the patients infected with hepatitis C infection if they have risk factors for developing an HBV infection.

What does HBsAg Screening - Rapid measure?

An HBsAg Screening - Rapid test confirms the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a suspected individual. HBsAg is the first serological marker, within 1 to 10 weeks, to appear in the blood after recent exposure to HBV. Persistence of this marker for more than 6 months implies chronic (long-term) HBV infection which may lead to liver damage (scarring or cirrhosis). A person who has a chronic infection is capable of spreading the infection to healthy individuals, even if they do not show or experience any symptoms.

Interpreting HBsAg Screening - Rapid results

Interpretations

A "Reactive" or "Positive" HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with Hepatitis B virus. If a person tests “positive,” then further testing is required to determine if this is a new “acute” infection or a “chronic” Hepatitis B infection or chronic HBV carrier state.

A "Non-reactive" or "Negative" HBsAg test result means that the person is not infected with Hepatitis B virus.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HBsAg Screening - Rapid

Frequently Asked Questions about HBsAg Screening - Rapid

Q. Why do I need an HBsAg Screening - Rapid test?

An HBsAg Screening - Rapid test is used to check the presence of hepatitis B infection. If your test results are positive, it means your blood and body fluids contain hepatitis B virus and you can transmit it to others. Consult your doctor right away. If left untreated, the infection can lead to complications such as liver damage, which can be life-threatening.

Q. What are the symptoms of hepatitis B infection?

The symptoms of acute hepatitis B may not be apparent for months after exposure to HBV. However, the most common symptoms are fatigue, muscle and joint pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, fever, belly pain, and yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice).

Q. Can hepatitis B spread through food or water?

Hepatitis B virus does not spread through food or water, by sharing utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, handholding, coughing, or sneezing.

Q. How is hepatitis B transmitted?

The hepatitis B virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood and body fluids. This can happen during unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner; from an infected mother to the unborn baby during birth; by sharing needles, syringes, or drug preparation equipments; by sharing items such as toothbrushes or razors; due to direct contact with blood or open wounds of an infected person; and by piercing and tattooing. The infection may also spread due to poor infection control in healthcare facilities like hospitals.

Q. How long is hepatitis B infectious?

Hepatitis B is infectious for as long as the virus is active in your body. If you have an acute infection, it may last from a few weeks to six months, and you are capable of transmitting the infection to healthy individuals. If you have a chronic infection, the infection may last a lifetime and may potentially lead to serious illnesses such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Q. What additional tests will I need if my HBsAg Screening - Rapid test result is positive?

If your HBsAg Screening - Rapid test result is positive, your doctor may order additional tests like hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc), hepatitis B “e” antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B “e” antibody (HBeAb or anti-HBe), hepatitis B viral DNA, and liver function test.

Q. How can hepatitis B be prevented?

Hepatitis B can be best prevented by vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective and should be given in three doses for full protection (at 0, 1, and 6 months).

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