Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test in Bengaluru - Price & Details

The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test is a rapid screening test for hepatitis B. It detects a specific antigen found on the surface of the hepatitis B virus. If it is detected in the blood, it means you have an active infection and carries the risk of infecting others. Hepatitis B may not cause symptoms for several weeks to months. HBsAg is the first viral marker to appear in the blood of an infected person, aiding early detection and treatment.

Potential Risks or Complications

• The test procedure is generally safe with little to no risk.
• If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as bruising, pain, or a rash, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Limitations of the Test

• HBsAg may disappear early during infection, giving false results.
• It does not help assess the severity of the infection.
• It does not detect the antibodies against hepatitis B.
• It does not reveal anything about liver health.

Hepatitis B virus is found in blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person and can spread through the IV route, from mother to baby during childbirth, or through sexual contact.

The following groups are at higher risk and should consider the HBsAg screening test :

• Those who have STDs such as HIV infection
• People who abuse IV drugs or share needles
• Patients who receive dialysis treatment
• Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
• Those who travel to high HBV-prevalent areas
• Those who live with HBV-infected patients
• Those who have unprotected sex or multiple sexual partners
• Healthcare workers at risk of exposure to body fluids
• Pregnant women and infants born to infected mothers
• Those who present with symptoms of liver disease

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B may be asymptomatic or produce symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Joint pain or muscle aches
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Dark-coloured urine
• Clay-coloured stools

Chronic hepatitis symptoms include:

• Liver cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Liver failure

What to Expect Before the Test

• Fasting is usually not required before the test.
• Inform your doctor about any medications or vaccination history.
• Always consult your healthcare provider for any special instructions before the test.

What to Expect During the Blood Sample Collection

A blood sample is collected using the routine procedure, as explained below:

• An elastic band is tied firmly around your upper arm for increased blood flow.
• The area is cleaned with an antiseptic, and a needle is inserted into a vein in the inner arm to collect the sample.
• The needle is withdrawn, and a bandage is placed over the puncture site to stop minor bleeding.

What to Expect After the Test

• This blood sample collection procedure is generally safe with little to no risk.
• Feeling dizzy for a few seconds is common and usually resolves with little rest.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site after this procedure, such as bleeding, pain, or a rash, contact your healthcare provider.

HBsAg test results indicate whether an active infection is acute or chronic, and are reported as positive or negative. Refer to the table below for more details:

Important note: The above information is for educational purposes only and cannot replace an expert’s guidance. Always consult an expert to better understand your test results.

Additional tests are often performed after an HBsAg test if the result is positive to further assess the condition. The follow-up tests include:

• HBeAg (hepatitis B e-antigen) - To check for active multiplication of the virus in the blood.
• HBV DNA (viral load) - To assess the severity of infection by identifying viral load in the blood.
• Antibody tests - Includes anti-HBc, anti-HBe, and anti-HBs antibody tests to assess the recovery and immune status of a person after treatment or vaccination.
• Liver function tests (LFTs) - To assess liver health.

In Bengaluru, an HBsAg test via PharmEasy is generally available at around INR 479, with slight differences depending on the diagnostic provider, location, and any ongoing offers. For a clearer view, you can compare HBsAg test prices across major cities in India.

You can book HBsAg Test in Bengaluru through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Indiranagar
• Koramangala
• HSR Layout
• Whitefield
• Marathahalli
• Electronic City
• Jayanagar
• JP Nagar
• Banashankari
• BTM Layout
• Yelahanka
• Hebbal
• Malleshwaram
• Rajajinagar
• Basavanagudi
• Bellandur
• Mahadevapura
• KR Puram
• Kalyan Nagar
• Richmond Town

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your pin code.