Hepatitis Be Antigen Blood Test

The Hepatitis Be Antigen Blood Test detects HBeAg in the blood to monitor the infection status, infectivity, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients.

Description

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Hepatitis Be Antigen Blood Test, which detects HBeAg in the blood to monitor the infection status, infectivity, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients. In acute B hepatitis, the presence of HBeAg occurs shortly after HBsAg, and is most contagious during this period. HBeAg can only be found in HBsAg-positive blood samples. Individuals with hepatitis B during the HBeAg-positive phase, which typically lasts three to six weeks, are at a higher risk of transmitting the virus to others, including newborns. The risk of infectivity is three to five times higher when serum or body fluid is positive for both HBeAg and HBsAg, compared to HBsAg positivity alone. If HBeAg persists, it can lead to chronic liver disease.

When should I order a Hepatitis Be Antigen Blood Test?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to a chronic HBV infection. Common signs or symptoms of chronic HBV include:

• Dark-colored urine
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Gray- or clay-colored stools
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Joints or abdominal pain
• Jaundice