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

The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test is a diagnostic blood test used to detect hepatitis B infection. It works by detecting the hepatitis B surface antigen in your blood. It is a protein found on the surface of the hepatitis B virus. Its presence in the bloodstream indicates that the individual has an active infection and is contagious. The test serves as an early marker of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), even before symptoms appear.

Potential risks or complications

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

Limitations of the test

• The test does not differentiate between acute and chronic HBV infection.
• If you have had a recent vaccination, the test can give false results.
• During the window period, it can yield false-negative results.
• It does not assess the severity of infection.
• It does not provide any information about liver damage.

Anyone with symptoms of hepatitis B infection or who is at higher risk should get this test done.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B viral infection

Hepatitis B primarily affects the liver and causes inflammation of liver cells, called hepatitis, and the symptoms include:

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

Severe symptoms include:

• Liver cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Liver failure

Indications for the HBsAg Test

Hepatitis B infection spreads through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, and the groups that are at higher risk and should get a routine screening test done include:

• Those who present with any of the above symptoms
• Those who have STDs such as HIV infection
• People who use injectable drugs or share needles
• Healthcare workers who come in contact with body fluids
• Patients who receive dialysis treatment
• Patients undergoing chemotherapy or on immunosuppressants
• Those who travel or live in high HBV-prevalent areas
• Those who have unprotected sex or multiple sex partners
• Infants born to infected mothers with hepatitis B infection
• Pregnant women

What to Expect Before the Test

• No fasting is 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 small amount of blood is required for the test. The steps for the sample collection procedure are explained below:

• An elastic band is tied around your upper arm for increased blood flow.
• A needle is inserted into a vein in the inner arm to collect the blood 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.

The test results of the HBsAg test are binary and expressed as positive or negative. To know more about what these test results mean, refer to the table below:

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

The HBsAg test is a valuable initial screening tool, but to assess severity and differentiate from past exposure, further tests are recommended, as given below:

• 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 recovery, vaccination,n or past exposure.
• Liver function tests (LFTs) - To check for inflammation or injury to liver cells.

In Chennai, an HBsAg test via PharmEasy is commonly priced at around INR 479, with minor differences based on the diagnostic lab, locality, and available discounts. To get a clearer picture, you can compare HBsAg test prices across major cities in India.

You can book Thyroid Profile Test (TFT) Test in Chennai through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Anna Nagar
• T. Nagar
• Adyar
• Velachery
• Nungambakkam
• Mylapore
• Alwarpet
• Besant Nagar
• Tambaram
• Porur
• Guindy
• Saidapet
• Kodambakkam
• Ashok Nagar
• Kilpauk
• Perambur
• Thiruvanmiyur
• Sholinganallur
• Medavakkam
• Perungudi

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