What Is an Anti-HBsAg Test and What Does It Mean?

Introduction

Hepatitis B, often known as jaundice, is a virus-induced liver illness. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be transmitted through blood, physical contact, or the mother’s womb. It can be acute or chronic. Once hepatitis enters your body, you may suffer symptoms similar to influenza and may not display any further symptoms for 6 weeks to 6 months.

The body produces an antibody called anti-HBs that is directed against the hepatitis B virus’s surface antigens (HBsAg).Anti-HBs and HBsAg are present simultaneously but abnormally in 5% to 30% of people. After HBsAg disappears, anti-HBs start to show up in the serum. Anti-HBs last a lifetime and gives long-term immunity to most people. AntiHBsAgTest reveals whether the person has developed immunity to the illness or is infected with it.

What exactly is AntiHBsAg?

The Hepatitis B virus causes an inflammatory illness in the liver. It is spread from person to person by sexual contact, contact with bodily fluids, non-sterile body care items, and blood. The Hepatitis B virus, which may be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy, is a potentially fatal condition that impairs liver function. When a person comes into contact with the hepatitis B virus, the immune system attempts to recognize and eradicate the infection. To do this, it generates antibodies against the antigen known as HBsAg on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus.

Why is the Anti HBsAg test required?

Anti HBsAg test is a laboratory test to assess if a person infected with the Hepatitis B virus has a protective protein against the Hepatitis B surface antigen. In layman’s words, the Anti HBsAg test determines if a person is immune to the hepatitis B virus. If your doctor thinks you have an HBV-related liver infection or Hepatitis B symptoms, you might require this test. In certain cases, there is a window where neither HBsAg nor anti-HBs are detectable. This time frame might run for a few weeks or months. During this window, other tests, such as the anti-HBc IgM, can be employed.

Most symptoms develop gradually. Many people feel like they have mild flu or exhibit no symptoms. They might not have any symptoms unless the illness is severe or pervasive.

The most typical symptom is excessive exhaustion. Other signs can include:

• Nausea
• Reduced appetite
• Muscle pain
• Fever
• Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
• Urine with a deep color
• Abdomen (tummy) discomfort
• Disorientation and swelling in rare cases.

You may also be subjected to this test if you have a history of virus exposure. The following are risk factors for hepatitis B infection:

• Having sexual relationships with a virus-infected person
• Living near someone infected with the virus
• Sharing needles for IV (intravenous) medication administration
• Working at a hospital where you are exposed to blood
• Getting an organ transplant or a blood transfusion. With active screening, this occurs less frequently.

If you’ve previously received a hepatitis B diagnosis, you could also undergo this test numerous times to see whether your illness improves.

What do the findings of my test mean?

Test results may differ depending on your age, gender, medical history, and other factors. Depending on the lab, your test results might change. Find out what your test results are from your doctor.

• Negative or nonreactive results suggest no hepatitis B surface antigen present.
• HBV infection may be active if your test results are positive or reactive. It often signifies that your recovery will take six months. If you get better, you’ll be immune to the virus and unable to spread it to other people.

A positive anti-HBsAg test may also indicate you have chronic hepatitis B. If you do not recover within 6 months, the virus may remain in your bloodstream and develop liver issues. You can potentially spread the infection to others. Your doctor may prescribe medication if you haven’t recovered after 6 months.

How is this test carried out?

A blood sample is used for the test. Blood is taken from a vein in your hand or arm using a needle.

What factors may influence my test results?

Other factors are unlikely to have an impact on your outcomes.

Conclusion

Hepatitis B surface antibody test or anti-HBsAg test results that are “positive” or “reactive” show that a subject is immune to the hepatitis B virus. The hepatitis B vaccination or full recovery from a prior hepatitis B infection can confer this protection. When you have a positive anti-HBsAg test, you are “immune” to the hepatitis B virus and are thus not vulnerable to infection. It means you are not infected by hepatitis B and cannot spread it to others.

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