Hepatitis B Antigen Confirmatory Test
The Hepatitis virus has surface antigens – the proteins that prompt the production of antibodies after the infection. Hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) appear within six to sixteen weeks following exposure and disappear within four to eight weeks in acute infection after symptoms manifest. If HBs antigens persist up to six months or more - it is suggestive of a chronic hepatitis B infection or a chronic carrier state.
Hepatitis B virus surface antigen is the most crucial and the earliest serological marker of hepatitis B virus infection. Therefore, for a timely diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B infection, precise detection of hepatitis B antigen is important. In this regard, a standard method to diagnose hepatitis B infection is to repeat and confirm test results. The samples that show weakly reactive results are also confirmed by a confirmatory test.
Why is the test ordered?
The test is helpful in the diagnosis of acute, chronic or recent hepatitis B viral infection.
A blood sample is collected from a vein in the arm.
How to prepare for the test?
No special preparations are required for this test.
