Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antibody (HBs Ab)
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About 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 :
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Nausea
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Diarrhoea
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Decreased appetite
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Fatigue
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Yellowing of skin
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Fever
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Stomach pain
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Frequent bruising
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Dark urine
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Light coloured stool
Who should get tested?
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Sex with someone infected with the virus
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Living with someone who is infected
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Had sex with individuals of the same gender
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Shared needles/syringes, or other drug injection equipment
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Working in hospitals or clinics and being exposed to infected blood
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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 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 on Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antibody (HBs Ab)
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.
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.
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes.
Yes. Getting vaccinated against the virus is the most effective and simple way of avoiding hepatitis B infection.
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.
Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antibody (HBs Ab)
