Hepatitis B Screening Test

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): Identifies the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the blood, indicating an active or recent infection.

Regular Health Check: Advised for individuals at risk due to lifestyle, occupation, or travel to endemic areas.

Experiencing Symptoms: Symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Doctor's Recommendation: If advised to get tested for hepatitis B due to potential exposure or as part of a general health screening.

Special Instructions: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may not be immediately detectable following exposure; this interval is known as the window period. It is advisable to wait three to four weeks after potential exposure to the disease before undergoing this test to ensure more accurate results.

It's also important to be aware that a positive HBsAg result can occur within 30 days of receiving a hepatitis B vaccine, as the vaccine contains HBsAg to elicit an immune response. This does not indicate an infection but rather a transient positive result due to the recent vaccination.

Retesting: If the test is negative and there's still concern about potential exposure, a retest is usually advised several weeks later to ensure accuracy, as antibodies may take time to reach detectable levels.

Refraining from Sexual Activity: Until you receive your test result, it is prudent to refrain from sexual activity to prevent any potential spread of the infection, especially if you have reason to believe you may have been exposed to sexually transmitted infection (STI) or if you have symptoms suggestive of an STI.

The presence of this antigen may indicate an active Hepatitis B infection, which can lead to symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, joint pain, and loss of appetite. Chronic Hepatitis B may also lead to liver complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer over time.