Hepatitis B surface Antigen

Our Price: $45.00

 

Description:

This test is used to screen for infection with the Hepatitis B (Hep B) virus.  The Surface Antigen test looks for a protein which is present on the surface of the virus.  This protein will be present in the blood with an acute or chronic Hep B infection.  Because it has a fairly early detection window, the Surface Antigen Test is often ordered by people who believe they have had a recent exposure.  This test can detect the presence of Hepatitis B in chronic or long-term infections even if the person has no symptoms.

 

Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection which is spread through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids.  It is the most common cause of acute viral Hepatitis.  Hepatitis B infections often show no symptoms but when symptoms do occur they are often described as flu-like.  Common symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, joint pain, fatigue, jaundice, and dark colored urine.  Chronic Hep B infections can cause serious health complications like Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer.

 

The Surface Antigen test is the most commonly ordered screening for Hepatitis B.  This test may be ordered because a person believes they are experiencing symptoms, or is simply concerned that they have had a recent or past exposure.  In some cases this test is ordered by people who have had irregular levels from tests such as the ALTor AST.