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

The Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test is a valuable screening tool for hepatitis B. It detects the special antigen found on the surface of the hepatitis B virus. This antigen is detectable in the blood of infected individuals even before symptoms occur. Hepatitis B primarily affects the liver and can produce serious complications such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer if left undetected. The HBsAg test helps detect the virus early and helps reduce the risk of further liver injury.

Potential Risks or Complications

• The test procedure is generally safe with little to no risk and takes less than 5 minutes.
• 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 HBsAg test alone provides limited information about the condition.
• It does not assess the viral count in the body.
• It does not check for antibodies formed against the virus.
• It does not tell anything about the liver injury.
• Late screening or recent vaccination may yield false results.

Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or other body fluids. The HBsAg test is usually recommended for those at risk of this infection, such as:

• Healthcare workers
• People with HIV infection
• People sharing needles or injecting drugs
• Patients on dialysis treatment
• Immunocompromised patients
• Travellers visiting areas with high HBV-prevalent
• Family members of HBV-infected patients
• Those who have unprotected sex or multiple sexual partners
• Pregnant women and infants born to infected mothers
• Those who present with symptoms of liver disease

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic. The symptoms for acute hepatitis B or active infection include:

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

Chronic hepatitis or severe 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 usually collected from the vein in the inner arm using the following procedure:

• 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 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.

The HBsAg test serves as an early screening test, which tells if the infection is active inside the body. Refer to the table below to know more about the test results:

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.

The other tests that might be recommended alone or as a panel to check for the hepatitis B virus and its spread in the body 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 Pune, an HBsAg test via PharmEasy is generally priced at around INR 479, with slight variations depending on the diagnostic provider, service location, and any ongoing offers. To gain better insights, you can compare HBsAg test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Kothrud
• Shivajinagar
• Baner
• Aundh
• Pashan
• Wagholi
• Karve Nagar
• Warje
• Sinhagad Road
• Viman Nagar
• Lohegaon
• Kalyani Nagar
• Koregaon Park
• Hadapsar
• Mundhwa
• Kharadi
• Hinjewadi
• Nigdi
• Pimple Saudagar
• Dhankawadi

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