What is hepatitis B antigen test?

The test is used to find out whether you have a recent or long-standing infection from the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV has proteins called antigens on its surface that cause your immune system to make antibodies. Hepatitis B surface antigens can be found in your blood within several weeks after the infection starts.

What is the treatment of HBsAg positive?

Antiviral medications. Several antiviral medications — including entecavir (Baraclude), tenofovir (Viread), lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera) and telbivudine (Tyzeka) — can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver. These drugs are taken by mouth.

What does it mean to test positive for HBsAg?

The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious. The body normally produces antibodies to HBsAg as part of the normal immune response to infection. HBsAg is the antigen used to make hepatitis B vaccine. Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs):

What does HBsAg show?

HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) – A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with hepatitis B. This test can detect the actual presence of the hepatitis B virus (called the “surface antigen”) in your blood.

Why do you need a hepatitis B surface antibody test?

This is why further testing is necessary, especially for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which shows that the virus itself is circulating in your bloodstream and that you have an active or chronic infection. Ask your doctor if you have further questions about the test and why it is being performed.

What does HBsAg mean on a hepatitis B test?

A protein on the surface of hepatitis B virus; it can be detected in high levels in serum during acute or chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious. The body normally produces antibodies to HBsAg as part of the normal immune response to infection.

What does it mean to have IgM antibody for hepatitis B?

hepatitis B. Total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc): Appears at the onset of symptoms in acute hepatitis B and persists for life. The presence of anti-HBc indicates previous or ongoing infection with hepatitis B virus in an undefi ned time frame. IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc): Positivity indicates recent

When does hepatitis B E appear in the serum?

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is a small polypeptide that exists in a free form in the serum of individuals during the early phase of hepatitis B infection, soon after hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) becomes detectable. Serum levels of both HBeAg and HBsAg rise rapidly during the period of viral replication.