Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antibody (HBs Ab)
Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antibody (HBs Ab)
Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the hepatitis B virus that causes inflammation and enlargement of the liver. The hepatitis B virus surface antibody is a protein that triggers the body's immune system to produce antibodies following an infection.
The hepatitis B virus surface antibody test looks for antibodies that the immune system produces in response to hepatitis B virus surface proteins. This test is advised to determine if one has ever had hepatitis B or had received hepatitis B-specific immunization. It is also useful in determining the efficacy of ongoing hepatitis B treatment
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
The common symptoms of Hepatitis B include:
Fatigue
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Muscle aches
Fever
Jaundice
Dark colored urine
Stomach pain
Swelling and confusion
Who should get tested?
This test is recommended for individuals who are/have:
Sex with someone infected with the virus
Living with someone who is infected
Had sex with individuals of the same gender
Shared needles/syringes, or other drug injection equipment
Working in hospitals or clinics and being exposed to infected blood
Receiving an organ transplant or blood transfusion
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for the Hepatitis B surface Antibody (HBs Ab) test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
The test results of HBs Ab are given as either positive or negative.
Positive test results – The positive test results indicate the surface antibodies were present in your blood sample and may mean that you are immune to the hepatitis B virus. The presence of these antibodies may suggest that you have either recovered from a recent or prior hepatitis B infection or got vaccination for the hepatitis B infection.
Negative test results – The negative test results indicate there were no surface antibodies present in your blood sample which may mean you are neither infected nor are immune to the hepatitis B infection
FAQs
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for hepatitis B virus surface antibody (HBs Ab) test?
The test results of hepatitis B virus surface antibody (HBs Ab) are generally available within 1 – 2 working days after the sample collection. However, it can also take a little longer at times
Are there any risks associated with hepatitis B virus surface antibody (HBs Ab) test?
No, there are no potential risks associated with hepatitis B virus surface antibody test. It is a simple blood test and may involve negligible risk such as feeling a slight sting or bruise at the site of needle insertion. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours. Rarely, the site can also become infected
How is the sample collected for Hepatitis B surface Antibody test?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes
Is it possible to avoid contracting Hepatitis B?
Yes. Getting vaccinated against the virus is the most effective and simple way of avoiding hepatitis B infection
Can the HBV infection be transmitted from infected mother to her baby?
Yes. Newborns are more likely to contract the infection from their infected mothers as they are exposed to blood and other bodily fluids during their delivery. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 90% of moms with acute hepatitis B will pass the virus on to their children. As a result, pregnant women are routinely tested for hepatitis B during each pregnancy. To avoid infection, children whose mothers test positive for HBV are given the hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin within 12 hours of birth
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics