Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) HbsAg-Quantitative Surface Antigen

The HBsAg Quantitative Test is a blood test that measures the amount of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the bloodstream. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause both acute and chronic liver disease. This test helps in diagnosing Hepatitis B, determining the severity of infection, monitoring treatment response, and assessing the risk of transmission.

Uses of HBsAg Quantitative Test

• Detect Hepatitis B infection (acute or chronic)
• Assess the viral activity and infectiousness of Hepatitis B patients
• Monitor effectiveness of antiviral treatment
• Guide doctors in deciding the need for further tests (HBV DNA, liver function tests)
• Screen individuals at risk of Hepatitis B (blood donors, pregnant women, healthcare workers)
• Track disease progression and risk of liver complications (cirrhosis, liver cancer)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is HBsAg?
HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) is a protein found on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus. Its presence indicates an active infection.

2. What does the quantitative test show?
It measures the amount of HBsAg in the blood, which helps doctors understand the severity of infection and response to treatment.

3. How is this different from the qualitative HBsAg test?

• Qualitative test only tells if Hepatitis B is present or not.
• Quantitative test tells how much virus is present (antigen level), helping monitor treatment and disease progression.

4. Who should get tested for HBsAg?

• People with symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, or liver problems
• Pregnant women (to prevent mother-to-child transmission)
• Blood donors and healthcare workers
• Individuals at risk due to unsafe sex, drug use, or family history of Hepatitis B

5. Is fasting required?
No, fasting is not required.