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

The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test is a diagnostic test used to detect hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is a contagious viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver and can produce jaundice-like symptoms or be asymptomatic. The HBsAg test detects the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus. The presence of the antigen indicates an active infection, which may be acute or chronic. The test requires a blood sample collected using a routine procedure. Fasting is usually not required.

Potential Risks or Complications

• The test procedure is generally safe with little to no risks.
• 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

• The test only serves as the viral marker and does not indicate the status of infection, whether it is acute or chronic.
• It does not help assess the severity of the infection.
• It does not reveal the recovery or immune status of the person.
• It does not provide any information about liver health.

You should get this test done if you have symptoms or are at higher risk of the infection.

The higher-risk groups who should get a screening test done include:

• Those who have STDs such as HIV infection
• People who abuse drugs using injectables
• Patients who receive dialysis treatment
• Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
• Those who travel or live in areas with high HBV prevalent
• Those who live in proximity to infected persons
• 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

Symptoms of Hepatitis B Viral Infection

Hepatitis B may be asymptomatic or may present with symptoms such as:

• 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

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 around your upper arm for increased blood flow.
• 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.

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 around your upper arm for increased blood flow.
• 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.

Further tests are usually recommended to assess liver health, the severity of infection, and the immune status of the person. 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 recovery, vaccination, or past exposure.
• Liver function tests (LFTs) - To check for inflammation or injury to liver cells.

In Kolkata, an HBsAg test via PharmEasy is generally available at around INR 479, with minor variations depending on the diagnostic lab, location, and ongoing offers. For better clarity, you can compare HBsAg test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Salt Lake
• New Town
• Rajarhat
• Dum Dum
• Lake Town
• Baguiati
• Park Street
• Ballygunge
• Bhowanipore
• Alipore
• Behala
• Tollygunge
• Jadavpur
• Garia
• Kalighat
• Kasba
• Kankurgachi
• Ruby
• Sealdah
• Shyambazar

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