AN OVERVIEW
About Hepatitis B Test
Why is the Hepatitis B Test done?
Hepatitis B is a type of liver inflammation driven by an infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B testing reveals whether you are now infected with HBV or have been infected in the past.
A blood sample is used to test for hepatitis B. Hepatitis B testing can be used to diagnose the disease, measure its severity, and identify whether a person is immune to it. Hepatitis B test results can reveal current hepatitis B infection, previous HBV exposure, or virus immunity. Acute or persistent infections are possible. Acute hepatitis B is a virus that causes a short-term infection. Without therapy, most individuals recover completely from acute hepatitis B within a few weeks to six months.
What does the Hepatitis B Test measure?
Hepatitis B testing reveals whether you are now infected with HBV or have been infected in the past. A blood sample is used to test for hepatitis B. Hepatitis B testing can be used to diagnose the disease, measure its severity, and identify whether a person is immune to it.
Risks/side effects of Hepatitis B Test
As long as you speak with and consult your healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions, there is little to no risk involved in getting yourself tested for Hepatitis B.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
Can your body fight off Hepatits B?
During the acute phase of hepatitis B infection, the immune system of 90% of infected adults successfully fights off the infection the virus is cleared from the body within 6 months, the liver heals completely, and the person becomes immune to hepatitis B infection for the rest of his/her life.
Is hepatitis B curable?
Chronic (long-term) hepatitis B infection is more common in infants and children. Hepatitis B can be prevented with a vaccine, but there is no cure if you already have it.
When do you test for hepatitis B?
After getting infected, HBsAg will be identified in the blood for an average of 4 weeks (range: 19 weeks).
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting Hepatitis B Test Results
1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen): Hepatitis B infection is indicated by a “positive” or “reactive” HBsAg test result. This test can determine whether the hepatitis B virus (also known as the “surface antigen”) is present in your blood. If a person tests “positive,” more testing is required to determine whether the illness is “acute” or “chronic” hepatitis B infection. A positive HBsAg test indicates that you are infected with the hepatitis B virus and can spread it to others through your blood.
2. HBsAb or anti-HBs (Hepatitis B surface antibody): Anti-HBs (or HBsAb) test results that are “positive” or “reactive” indicate that a person is immune to hepatitis B virus. The hepatitis B vaccine or a successful recovery from a previous hepatitis B infection can provide this protection. This test is not frequently performed at blood banks. If you have a positive anti-HBs (or HBsAb) test, you are “immune” to the hepatitis B virus, cannot be infected with the same, or infect others with hepatitis B.
3. HBcAb or anti-HBc (Hepatitis B core antibody): A “positive” or “reactive” anti-HBc (or HBcAb) test result shows hepatitis B infection in the past or present. The core antibody offers no protection against hepatitis B virus infection. The results of the first two exams are required to completely comprehend this test (HBsAg and anti-HBs). If you have a positive anti-HBc (or HBcAb) test result, you should speak with your doctor to get a full explanation of your hepatitis B status.
Hepatitis B Test In Chandigarh
Starts from 150*
Looking to book Hepatitis B Tests in Chandigarh? Read below to know about the tests included.
There are 3 panels in the Hepatitis B test. To determine whether a person is infected, all three test results are required.
1. HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen)
2. HBsAb or anti-HBs (Hepatitis B surface antibody)
3. HBcAb or anti-HBc (Hepatitis B core antibody)
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