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

The HBsAg test is a blood test that detects the hepatitis B surface antigen, a protein present on the surface of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This test helps doctors determine whether you have a hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver. It can be short-term or long-term. Most people do not feel sick soon after infection, and in many cases have no noticeable symptoms. If symptoms appear, they usually start 1 to 6 months later and may include tiredness, vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, and yellow skin or eyes (jaundice). Babies and young children are at a higher risk of developing long-term infection. Long-term hepatitis B often has no symptoms but can slowly damage the liver and, in some people, lead to liver cancer. Hepatitis B spreads through unprotected sex, sharing needles, razors, or toothbrushes, from an infected mother to baby during childbirth, contact with infected blood, unsafe blood transfusions or dialysis, and unclean tools used for tattoos, piercing, or acupuncture. It does not spread typically through holding hands, hugging, kissing, sharing utensils, coughing, sneezing, or breastfeeding. PharmEasy labs usually provide HBsAg test results in about 9 hours to within the day, depending on your location in Patna.

• All adults: At least once in a lifetime, regardless of risk factors. Screening is generally done using the HBsAg, anti-HBs, and total anti-HBc triple panel.
• Pregnant women: Routine antenatal testing, ideally in the first trimester.
• Infants: Born to HBsAg-positive mothers.
• People with symptoms: Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice), fatigue, fever, dark urine, grey or clay-coloured stools, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, joint pain or loss of appetite.
• Known/suspected exposure: People with known or suspected exposure to HBV.

People with ongoing risk of exposure, including:

• History of sexually transmitted infections, multiple partners, or practicing unprotected sex
• Past or current hepatitis C infection
• Individuals currently or previously held in a correctional facility or prison
• Birth in HBV-prevalent regions
• Unvaccinated infants of parents from high-prevalence regions
• Injection drug use
• HIV-positive status
• Men who have sex with men
• Household or sexual contacts of an HBV-positive person
• Dialysis patients
• People with diabetes
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Healthcare workers with blood exposure risk
• People who have travelled to high-prevalence countries

The HBsAg test detects the hepatitis B virus itself in the body; hence, it is used to detect:

• Active acute hepatitis B: A short-term infection that occurs within the first 6 months after exposure to the virus. Most healthy adults clear the infection on their own and develop lifelong immunity. Symptoms, if present, may include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, and abdominal discomfort, though many people remain symptom-free.
• Active chronic hepatitis B: Occurs when the immune system is unable to clear the virus within 6 months, resulting in a long-term infection. Chronic hepatitis B often has no noticeable symptoms for years, but it can gradually damage the liver, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer over time. It is more common in people infected in infancy or early childhood than in those infected as adults.

Note: The HBsAg test detects the actual virus (surface antigen); a reactive or positive result means the virus is currently present and the person is infectious.

What to Expect Before the HBsAg Test

• No fasting is needed before the HBsAg test. You can eat and drink normally before the test unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• You can take the test at any time of day.
• Mention to your doctor all the medicines and supplements you regularly take, and any underlying disorders and pregnancy, if any. Also let them know about recent vaccinations, blood transfusions, and exposure to blood or body fluids.
• Ensure you are not dehydrated before sample collection, as dehydration can make blood sample collection difficult.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

• You will be asked to sit comfortably while the PharmEasy phlebotomist cleans the inside of your arm with an antiseptic.
• An elastic band will be tied around your upper arm to make the vein easier to find.
• A small needle will be used to collect the blood sample. You may feel a quick prick or mild sting.
• Once the sample is collected, the needle will be removed, gentle pressure will be applied, and a small bandage will be placed over the area.
• If you are afraid of needles or feel dizzy, tell the lab technician before the test. They can help you feel more comfortable.
• Stay relaxed during the blood draw. Looking away from the needle or taking slow, deep breaths may help.

What to Expect After the HBsAg Test

• After the blood sample is collected, gentle pressure will be applied, and a small bandage will be placed over the area. Keep the bandage on for 1 to 2 hours or as advised.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous activity with that arm for the rest of the day to reduce bruising or bleeding.
• Your blood sample will be sent to the laboratory for testing.
• A laboratory expert will review your test report before sharing it.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, a rash, or pain, consult your healthcare provider.

The HBsAg test detects the hepatitis B surface antigen, a protein on the outer coat of the hepatitis B virus. Because it detects a piece of the actual virus, a reactive or positive result means the virus is currently present and the person is infectious.

Note: Unlike anti-HBs or anti-HBc, which detect antibodies the body produces in response to the virus, the HBsAg test detects a protein from the virus itself, making it a direct marker of active infection. A reactive result should always be confirmed with additional testing (HBV DNA PCR or other tests) and reviewed by a doctor, as it does not distinguish between acute and chronic infection on its own.

Potential Risks and Complications

Blood sample collection is safe, and most people have no problems after the test.

• Common: Mild pain, slight bruising, tenderness, or brief dizziness after the blood draw. These usually go away on their own.
• Rare: A larger bruise, infection, swelling of the vein (phlebitis), or temporary nerve irritation.
• When to see a doctor: Get medical advice if you have severe or persistent pain, increasing redness or swelling, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection at the blood draw site. However, these problems are uncommon.

Understanding HBsAg Test Limitations

• A non-reactive HBsAg result cannot determine whether you had a previous infection with hepatitis B or have immunity to it. A reactive HBsAg result indicates a current infection, but it cannot determine whether it is short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) infection.
• A reactive result can occur for a little while after the hepatitis B vaccination.
• The HBsAg test cannot measure the extent of liver damage.
• Testing too soon after infection, low viral levels, or certain HBV variants may give non-reactive results even if infection is present.

The HBsAg test costs around ₹529, though the exact price can vary based on your location in Patna and available offers. To better understand the pricing differences, you can compare the HBsAg test costs across major cities in India.

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

• Boring Road
• Rukanpura
• Kankarbagh
• Rajendra Nagar
• Patliputra Colony
• Ashiana Nagar
• Danapur
• Khagaul
• Phulwari Sharif
• Fraser Road
• Bankipore
• Gandhi Maidan
• Kadamkuan
• Sadaquat Ashram
• New Jaganpura
• Rajiv Nagar
• Mahendru
• Shastri Nagar
• Anisabad
• Kumhrar

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