Hepatitis B is not a common infection that causes liver inflammation. HBsAg test is the common hepatitis B test, and its presence in serum indicates that the person has contracted HBV infection. It is vital to do the testing to identify those at high risk of spreading the disease, like blood donors, pregnant women, intravenous drug abusers, healthcare workers, transplant donors, etc.
The main aim of the test is to detect, classify and manage the HB disease. As per WHO, some people die due to Hepatitis B complications as it is a life-threatening liver complication caused by an infestation of the Hepatitis B virus in a[person’s body. Hepatitis B testing is vital to determine and diagnose the infection in a person before things become more complicated and worse. Book your HBsAg test in Delhi at Redcliffe labs, as they ensure that you can get your test reports within the same day with 100% accuracy. The test offered by them is at an affordable price, just 255 rs. To schedule your test, you can click the below-given link.
What is the HBsAg test or Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test?
The HBsAg test is done to determine hepatitis B surface antigens in your blood and is used to find whether you have a recent or long-standing infection from HBV. Hepatitis B Virus has proteins named antigens on its surface that cause a person’s immune system to make antibodies, and the Hepatitis B surface antigens can be found in blood within many weeks after the body is infected. They are considered the primary signs of a hepatitis B infection in an individual.
HBV is known and is one of the five hepatitis viruses. The other four are hepatitis A, C, D, and E, and most all infections are caused by these five viruses. HBV spreads all through the blood, seminal fluid, and vaginal secretions and takes many months to develop symptoms after a person gets infected. The virus causes an infection in the liver, and in most cases, it ckear out in six months on its own. But the virus in some cases of adults and a few children do not go away, especially in newborns, and is called having a chronic infection. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to liver cell damage, scarring, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.
Why is the HBsAg test done?
A doctor does HBsAg test to determine the information about the current or past infection with HBV. A blood test identifies present hepatitis B infection, past exposure to the same, or immunity to the virus. The hepatitis B virus spreads through contact with body fluids, mainly by blood-to-blood contact but can also be transmitted through other body fluids. The infection can be acute or chronic, and acute hepatitis B is a short live infection.
A person with this type of infection usually recovers entirely from it without treatment within a few weeks or six months. A small percentage of people with acute hepatitis B infection progress to have a long-term chronic infection that lasts for six months or more. If a person has chronic hepatitis B infection, they are more prone to developing severe complications like liver cancer, liver failure, and damage to the liver. The HBsAg test is done for many purposes:
- To screen HBV
The test is done to determine diseases before a person develops the symptoms. Many people with Hepatitis B infection have no symptoms, and thus screening can help in early detection and getting timely treatment for the same. It will also help to avoid the spreading of infection.
- Diagnose and evaluate HBV infection.
A doctor recommends the test to identify whether you have a current hepatitis B infection if it is acute or chronic and whether you can spread it to others.
- To assess past HBV infections.
The test help doctor to know whether a person is immune because of HBV vaccination or having recovered from the infection in the past. The test is used to assess that vaccination is successful and generates immunity and also to know who is more prone to the risk of HBV reactivation.
- To monitor HBV infection.
The test is also done to monitor the health of a person diagnosed with the infection, detect complications, and assess treatment response.
When is the HBsAg test recommended?
The test is recommended by the doctor when you experience early signs of hepatitis B infection and the doctor suspect that you are suffering from liver infection. The test is advised to get a diagnosis of the condition and to start the treatment. Some early signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B are:
- Feeling tired
- pain in your belly
- Losing your appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Hives
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale or clay-colored bowel movement
- jaundice
The doctor will recommend an HBsAg test in Delhi when your history puts you at risk. Some risk factors of Hepatitis B infections are;
- Having sex with a person infected with the virus.
- If you are in close contact with a person with the virus.
- Man-to-man sex
- A newborn child whose mother has the virus
- Sharing needles
- Works in a healthcare center
- Getting a blood transfusion or else an organ transplant.
How to get ready for the HBsAg test?
No special preparation is needed for this test; be sure your doctor knows all about the medicines, supplements, and vitamins you take. Also, having a blood test does not pose any risk. However, some people can experience bleeding, bruising, and a feeling of unlightheadness after the test, which is quite normal. Hepatitis B surface antigens are considered the early sign of acute infection and are also present during chronic or long-term infection. If you experience any of the above-listed symptoms, talk to your doctor and get the test done to start your treatment early.
How to interpret the HBsAg test results?
The HBsAg test results vary and depend on a person;’s age, gender, health history, and many other factors. Your result will be either positive or negative. The range that is considered to determine the presence of the infection is between 0.05 to 25 international units per milliliter. If your test result is above that range, i.e., 250, then it would indicate that you have an active Hepatitis infection in your body. The normal result of the test comes as negative, which will confirm that you have no Hepatitis virus antigens in the blood and you are safe. The positive report of the test shows that you have an infection and may also indicate that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection. People who do not recover after six months of the infection might experience liver problems and associated complications.
What is the cost of the HBsAg test?
The HBsAg test cost depends upon the test performed and the lab in which the test is conducted. HBsAg test price in Delhi at Redcliffe labs is just 225 rs and is one of the most affordable prices you will get in the state.
Conclusion
Hepatitis B is not a routine testing procedure only done when the doctor advises. The only way to ensure that you have the infection is to get HBsAg test done. The hepatitis B infection does not show any symptoms, and your doctor might ask about your family history of hepatitis B or any liver disease and any possible exposure to the infection, like unprotected sex or injecting drug use. You may need this test if your healthcare provider believes that you might have a liver infection caused by HBV. and also need this test if you have symptoms of hepatitis B. Redcliffe labs are best to get your HBsAg test in Delhi as it is one of the best diagnostic centers in India offering accurate and high-quality testing for quicker diagnosis of infection and diseases. The lab also offers a home collection with same-day report delivery.
To know more details, you can click on the link given below:
https://redcliffelabs.com/delhi/tests/hbsag-test