Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex Confirmation

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex Confirmation test contains 1 test with 2 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test is a laboratory test used to detect the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen in the blood. The test is performed to screen for hepatitis B infection and confirm the initial HBsAg result if it is reactive.

Also Known As: Hep B Test, HBsAg Test, Hepatitis B Antigen Test, HBV Test, HBV Surface Antigen Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

IMPORTANT: NOTE THIS IS A REFLEX TEST - The price charged for this test is only for the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen. AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE WILL OCCUR FOR THE REFLEX CONFIRMATION if the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen is positive.

When is a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test ordered?

A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex Confirmation test may be ordered under the following circumstances:

1. Routine Screening: Healthcare providers may order this test as part of routine screening for hepatitis B, especially in high-risk individuals such as healthcare workers, pregnant women, and those with a history of intravenous drug use or unprotected sexual activity.

2. Clinical Suspicion of Hepatitis B Infection: If a patient presents with symptoms or risk factors suggestive of hepatitis B infection, the test may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.

3. Monitoring Hepatitis B Treatment: For individuals undergoing treatment for chronic hepatitis B, regular monitoring of HBsAg levels can help assess the response to antiviral therapy.

What does a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen blood test check for?

Hepatitis B tests look for chemicals that indicate a present or former hepatitis B infection. Some tests look for viral antigen or antibodies produced in response to an infection, while others look for or analyse the virus's genetic material. A person with a current active infection or immunity as a result of earlier exposure can be identified by the pattern of test findings.

Hepatitis is a liver infection that causes inflammation and enlargement. It can be caused by a number of factors, one of which is virus infection. HBV is one of five "hepatitis viruses" known to primarily infect the liver that have been found thus far. Hepatitis A, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E are the other four.

HBV is transmitted through contact with an infected person's blood or other bodily fluids. For example, exposure can occur through the sharing of IV drug needles or through unprotected intercourse. People who live in or go to locations where hepatitis B is widespread are more vulnerable. Mothers can spread the virus to their newborns on a rare occasion, usually during or after delivery. The virus is not spread through simple hand-to-hand contact, coughing, or sneezing. The virus, however, can survive for up to seven days outside the body, including in dried blood, and can be spread by exchanging razors or toothbrushes with an infected individual.

Efficient hepatitis B vaccines have already been available in the United States since 1981, and health care providers began immunizing newborns at birth in 1991. Despite this, the CDC believes that between 804,000 and 1.4 million persons in the United States are infected with the virus, the majority of whom are unaware of their infection.

HBV infections can range in severity from a mild infection that lasts a few weeks to a more dangerous chronic infection that lasts years. Chronic HBV can sometimes lead to significant problems including cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Acute HBV infection, albeit potentially dangerous, normally goes away on its own in most adults. Infants and children are more likely than adults to get a persistent infection. Ninety percent of newborns affected with HBV will develop a chronic illness. Between the ages of one and five, the risk of having chronic hepatitis lowers to 25% to 50%. Only 6% to 10% of HBV illnesses become chronic in children over the age of five.

The great majority of people who have chronic infections don't show any signs or symptoms. The symptoms of acute infections are remarkably similar to other types of acute hepatitis. Fever, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice are some of the symptoms. The liver is damaged and unable to function normally in acute hepatitis. It may not be able to remove toxins or waste products like bilirubin from the body. Bilirubin and hepatic enzyme levels in the blood may rise as the disease progresses. While tests like bilirubin and a liver panel can tell a doctor if someone has hepatitis, they can't tell them what's causing it. Tests for hepatitis virus infection may aid in determining the cause.

Hepatitis B testing can be used to detect infection in the absence of symptoms, to establish whether an infection is acute or chronic, and to track the progress of a chronic infection and its treatment.

Lab tests often ordered with a a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test:

When an HBsAg test is ordered, it's typically part of a broader evaluation for hepatitis B infection and liver health. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

1. Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc):

   • Purpose: To detect antibodies produced in response to a component of the HBV core.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Anti-HBc helps distinguish between acute and chronic HBV infection and can indicate previous exposure to the virus.

2. Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBs):

   • Purpose: To check for immunity to HBV, either from vaccination or past infection.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To determine if an individual is immune to HBV, either through recovery from past infection or successful vaccination.

3. Hepatitis Be Antigen (HBeAg) and Hepatitis Be Antibody (Anti-HBe):

   • Purpose: To assess the infectivity and stage of HBV infection.
   • Why Is It Ordered: HBeAg generally indicates high levels of viral replication and infectivity, while Anti-HBe can indicate lower levels of virus and reduced infectivity.

4. Liver Function Test:

   • Purpose: To assess liver health and function.
   • Why Is It Ordered: HBV can cause liver inflammation and damage. These tests help evaluate the extent of liver damage.

5. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

   • Purpose: Provides a broad picture of overall blood health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To detect signs of anemia, infection, or other blood cell abnormalities, which can occur in chronic liver disease.

6. Prothrombin Time (PT/INR):

   • Purpose: To assess blood clotting function.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Liver damage can affect the production of clotting factors, making this test important for evaluating liver function.

7. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP):

   • Purpose: To screen for liver cancer.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Chronic HBV infection increases the risk of developing liver cancer, and AFP is a tumor marker used in screening.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex Confirmation test, provide a comprehensive view of hepatitis B infection status and liver health. They are crucial for confirming the diagnosis, assessing the severity of liver disease, evaluating the risk of transmission, and planning appropriate treatment. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s risk factors, symptoms, and the results of initial screenings.

Conditions where a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test is recommended:

A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex Confirmation test is required in the following situations:

1. Screening for Hepatitis B: As part of routine screening or for high-risk individuals, this test is used to detect early or asymptomatic hepatitis B infections.

2. Diagnosing Hepatitis B: When a patient presents with symptoms of acute hepatitis or has risk factors for hepatitis B, this test is used to confirm the diagnosis.

3. Monitoring Chronic Hepatitis B: For individuals with chronic hepatitis B, the test is used to assess the viral load and response to antiviral treatment.

How does my health care provider use a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test?

Healthcare providers use the results of a Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex Confirmation test in the following ways:

1. Diagnosis: A reactive HBsAg result indicates current infection with the hepatitis B virus.

2. Monitoring: For individuals with chronic hepatitis B, serial HBsAg tests help monitor the progress of the infection and the response to treatment.

3. Public Health Measures: Positive test results may trigger public health interventions, such as contact tracing and vaccination for close contacts.

4. Vaccination Decisions: Negative test results may prompt healthcare providers to recommend vaccination for susceptible individuals who are at risk of acquiring the infection.

Interpretation of the test results should consider the patient's clinical history, other hepatitis B serology tests, and any signs or symptoms of liver disease. Early detection of hepatitis B infection is crucial for appropriate management and to prevent transmission to others.

What do my Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test results mean?

Hepatitis B tests can be requested alone, although they are frequently ordered in combination, depending on the purpose for testing. The results of the tests are usually compared. The significance of one test result may be influenced by the outcome of another. However, not everyone is subjected to all tests.

If the findings of initial and follow-up testing suggest that a person has chronic hepatitis B, the individual may be treated with medication, and the effectiveness of that therapy can be tracked using HBe antigen and antibody tests, as well as HBV DNA tests.

Most Common Questions About the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex Confirmation test:

Understanding the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation Test

What is the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test?

The HBsAg with Reflex Confirmation test is a blood test used to detect the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the body. HBsAg is a protein on the surface of the virus and is among the earliest markers of acute hepatitis B and can also indicate a chronic infection.

Why is the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test performed?

This test is performed to determine if a person is infected with the hepatitis B virus. It is often done as part of a series of tests to diagnose and monitor hepatitis B.

What does a positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test result mean?

A positive HBsAg test means that you are infectious and can spread the virus to others. It could also mean that you have a chronic hepatitis B infection.

What does a negative Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test result mean?

A negative test result means that no HBsAg has been detected in your blood and you are not infectious for hepatitis B.

Understanding Test Results and Confirmations

Why is a reflex confirmation test necessary for the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test?

A reflex confirmation test is used to confirm a positive initial result. This is important to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis and to prevent false-positive results, which could lead to unnecessary treatment.

What does it mean if the initial Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test is positive, but the reflex test is negative?

If the initial HBsAg test is positive but the reflex test is negative, it usually suggests that the initial test was a false positive. This could be due to technical issues or the presence of certain antibodies that interfered with the test.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test and Specific Conditions

How does the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test help in the diagnosis of hepatitis B?

The presence of HBsAg in the blood indicates an active hepatitis B infection, either acute or chronic. The test helps to detect an infection early and allows for prompt treatment.

Can the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test differentiate between acute and chronic hepatitis B infection?

The HBsAg test alone cannot distinguish between acute and chronic hepatitis B infection. This distinction is usually made based on a combination of tests and the patient's clinical history.

Can the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test detect a past hepatitis B infection?

No, the HBsAg test can't detect a past infection. The test detects the presence of the virus in the blood, so it only gives positive results in active infections.

Understanding Hepatitis B and the Immune Response

How does the immune system respond to a hepatitis B infection and how does this affect the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test?

In response to a hepatitis B infection, the immune system produces antibodies. These antibodies bind to antigens on the virus, such as HBsAg. The level of HBsAg in the blood can help determine the stage and severity of the infection.

What is the relationship between the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B antibodies?

HBsAg is the antigen found on the surface of the hepatitis B virus. When the immune system detects this antigen, it produces antibodies to fight off the infection. These antibodies specifically target the HBsAg antigen.

What other tests might be ordered along with the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test?

Other tests that might be ordered with the HBsAg test include the hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) test, the hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) test, and the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) test.

General Questions About the Test

What does it mean if my Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test results are indeterminate or inconclusive?

Indeterminate or inconclusive results typically mean that the test didn't clearly indicate whether HBsAg was present or not. Your healthcare provider might order a repeat test or additional tests to clarify the results.

Can the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test tell if I'm immune to hepatitis B?

No, this test does not determine immunity to hepatitis B. A different test, the hepatitis B surface antibody test (anti-HBs), is used to determine if you're immune to hepatitis B, either from vaccination or from having recovered from the infection.

How often should the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test be done?

The frequency of testing depends on individual risk factors for hepatitis B. For example, healthcare workers and people with high-risk behaviors might need regular testing, while others might be tested less frequently.

Can the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test be used to monitor response to hepatitis B treatment?

Yes, HBsAg levels can be used to monitor response to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B. A decrease in HBsAg levels may indicate a positive response to treatment.

Can I have hepatitis B even if my Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test is negative?

Yes, it's possible. The HBsAg test may not detect the virus in the early stages of infection. In addition, some people who have recovered from hepatitis B may have a negative HBsAg test but could still have the virus in their liver.

Can the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test be used to screen for liver cancer in people with chronic hepatitis B?

While chronic hepatitis B infection can increase the risk of liver cancer, the HBsAg test is not used to screen for cancer. However, people with chronic hepatitis B should be regularly monitored for signs of liver cancer.

Can I be vaccinated for hepatitis B if my Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test is positive?

No, if you have a positive HBsAg test, it means you're currently infected with hepatitis B, and the vaccine won't be effective. The vaccine is intended to prevent the infection, not to treat it.

How can I prevent hepatitis B infection if my Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test is negative?

If your HBsAg test is negative and you're not immune to hepatitis B, getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent infection.

What are the implications of a positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test during pregnancy?

A positive HBsAg test during pregnancy indicates that the mother has hepatitis B and can potentially transmit the virus to her baby at birth. However, with appropriate medical care, the risk of transmission can be significantly reduced.

Why might a person with a negative Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test still have symptoms of hepatitis?

Symptoms similar to hepatitis can be caused by other types of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, C, D, and E. If someone has hepatitis-like symptoms but a negative HBsAg test, further testing may be necessary.

How long after exposure to hepatitis B will the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test become positive?

HBsAg usually appears in the blood within one to two months after exposure to the virus and can be detected before symptoms begin.

Can the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test differentiate between various strains or genotypes of hepatitis B?

No, the HBsAg test doesn't distinguish between different genotypes of the virus. Genotyping requires specialized molecular testing.

Can the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation test be used to determine the stage of hepatitis B infection?

No, the HBsAg test can't determine the stage of infection. Other laboratory tests and clinical assessments are needed to evaluate the stage of hepatitis B infection.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.