Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test
The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test detects HBV surface antigens in a blood sample to screen for acute and chronic HBV infections.
Also Known As:
Anti-HBs; Antibody to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen; HBsAg; Hepatitis-associated Antigen; Hepatitis B Acute Exposure
Methodology:
Immunochemiluminometric Assay (ICMA)
Preparation:
No fasting is required. Patients should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
Test Results:
2-3 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Walk-In Lab is prohibited from selling LabCorp tests to residents in the following states:NY, NJ, RI, MA, MD
Also Known As:
Anti-HBs; Antibody to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen; HBsAg; Hepatitis-associated Antigen; Hepatitis B Acute Exposure
Methodology:
Immunoassay (IA)
Preparation:
No fasting is required. Patients should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.
Test Results:
2-3 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Walk-In Lab is prohibited from selling Quest tests to residents in the following states:AZ, NY, NJ, RI
What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test, which screens for acute and chronic HBV infections by detecting HBV surface antigens. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. HBV is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact but can also be transmitted through other body fluids. Common forms of exposure to HBV vary based on geographical area, but often occur during childbirth and infancy, when sharing needles for intravenous drug use, or during unprotected sex.
There are two types of hepatitis B infections: acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis B is a short-lived infection that usually resolves on its own within a few weeks to six months. However, around 5 to 10% of patients with acute hepatitis B progress to having chronic hepatitis B, which is a long-term infection lasting six months or longer. People with chronic hepatitis B are at an increased risk of developing complications, including severe damage to the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer.
The Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein that appears on the surface of the HBV virus. This protein can be detected in high levels during both acute and chronic hepatitis B infections. The HBsAg test can be used to screen for both acute and chronic HBV infections.
When should I order a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test?
Individuals may order this test if they have experienced acute or chronic HBV infection symptoms. Common signs or symptoms of this condition include:
- Dark urine
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Gray- or clay-colored stools
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
- Pain in the joints or abdomen
- Yellowish skin and eyes
