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

PharmEasy Labs is here to take care of all your diagnostic needs. A wide array of tests are offered at very affordable rates, and accuracy is guaranteed because our technicians use the latest technology to analyse the samples and the reports are verified by pathologists.

The hepatitis B virus, or HBV, affects the human liver and triggers an infection. Untreated hepatitis B infection has the potential to cause serious health complications, including liver cancer and liver cirrhosis.

When a person is infected by hepatitis B, there will be traces of the surface antigen of the virus in their blood. The HBsAg test can detect whether this antigen is present in a person's blood. A positive result indicates a hepatitis B infection. A negative report means the person doesn't have the hepatitis infection.

Acute hepatitis infection: It is a milder form of hepatitis infection, and more often than not, the body's immunity can take care of the problem. Medication may not even be needed. The infection lasts for fewer than 6 months.

In some cases, acute hepatitis may become chronic hepatitis.

Chronic hepatitis: This is a much more serious infection that lasts for 6 to more months and keeps returning. Unless the right diagnosis and treatment happen, it can lead to liver failure and liver cancer. The body is not able to defeat this infection on its own without medication.

If the HBsAg test finds the presence of the hepatitis virus, your doctor may recommend other tests to determine if the infection is chronic. Usually, the younger the person who gets the infection, the more likely it is for the infection to become chronic. So doctors are specifically careful and take all measures while dealing with children with hepatitis (especially under the age of 5).

Doctors will recommend the HBsAg test if you-

• Have had unprotected sex with someone who is infected with the hepatitis B virus.
• Have shared needles with an infected person
• Are men who engage in sexual activity with other men without protection
• Work in the healthcare industry and are exposed to people’s blood.
• Are a baby born to a mother tested positive for hepatitis B.
• Residing with someone who is infected.
• If you are not vaccinated against hepatitis.

Acute hepatitis doesn't always show symptoms. However, there are some signs of Hepatitis B infection that make doctors order the HBsAg test-

• Abdominal pain that keeps coming back
• Fever and joint ache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Yellowing of the skin due to liver problems

The symptoms show up anytime between 2 weeks to 4 months after the exposure.

No special preparation is required for the HBsAg test. If the doctor has recommended other tests which might require fasting, you will be informed.

During the HBsAg Test

A phlebotomist from PharmEasy Labs will reach your house punctually. Our phlebotomists always use a vein-finding tool to accurately find the location of the most suitable vein in your arm. Safety protocol will be maintained, and only new needles and syringes will be used. The sample will be taken to the labs in an ice box.