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

The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test is a diagnostic and screening test used specifically for hepatitis B. It detects the antigen on the surface of the hepatitis B virus, which appears early in the blood during infection. Anyone with this antigen is infected and can spread the virus to others. It spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids and can also spread from mother to baby.

The HBsAg test supports early detection and reduces the risk of spread. It is recommended for adults to get screened for hepatitis B once in a lifetime. This test requires a small blood draw, and results are usually made available the same day. You can take advantage of home sample collection by PharmEasy, available in Visakhapatnam, and get tested from the comfort of your home.

Anyone who has the following symptoms or falls under a higher-risk group should get this test done:

Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B primarily affects the liver, producing 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

Severe symptoms include:

• Liver cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Liver failure

The groups that should get screening for hepatitis B include:

• Symptomatic patients
• Patients with STDs such as HIV
• IV drug abusers
• Blood, semen, or organ donors
• Healthcare workers like surgeons, nurses, lab technicians, dentists, or emergency staff
• Patients who receive dialysis treatment
• Patients undergoing chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressants
• Those who travel or live in high HBV prevalent areas
• Those who have unprotected sex or multiple sexual partners
• Infants born to infected mothers
• 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?

The blood sample is collected using a routine procedure, which takes less than 5 minutes. The steps are as follows:

• 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• The needle is withdrawn, and a bandage is placed over the puncture site to stop minor bleeding.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 a 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 results are binary and reported 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 an expert to better understand your test results.

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 antigen disappears after a few weeks of infection, giving negative results.
• It cannot be used to monitor recovery or immunity status.
• It does not reveal anything about the stage of infection on its own.
• It does not assess the liver condition.

The HBsAg test is used as an initial screening tool. A positive HBsAg test result calls for further tests to evaluate the stage of infection, immune status, and liver condition.

• HBeAg (hepatitis B e-antigen) - To check for active replication 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 - Include 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.

PharmEasy offers this test at a starting price of INR 479 across various localities in Visakhapatnam. Check the table below to compare the test price across major cities.

You can book Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) Test in Visakhapatnam through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• MVP Colony
• Dwaraka Nagar
• Seethammadhara
• Siripuram
• Dabagardens
• Maharanipeta
• Gopalapatnam
• Gajuwaka
• NAD Junction
• Marripalem
• Madhurawada
• PM Palem
• Muralinagar
• Yendada
• Pendurthi
• Simhachalam
• Kurmannapalem
• Pedagantyada
• Kailasapuram
• Allipuram

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