Hepatitis B Test
Hepatitis B test is an extremely critical test which helps to detect Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in a patient. In order to detect HBV, the tests which are done include serum or blood tests which help to detect the antigens produced by the virus or antibodies developed by the host. The tests for Hepatitis B are helpful in order to assess a patient’s infection status and also to monitor the treatment for this virus.
Various uses of HBV tests are listed below.
- To check whether the signs and symptoms are actually due to the HBV infection.
- To diagnose the chronic Hepatitis B Virus.
- For treatment and monitoring of chronic Hepatitis B
- To determine the previous exposure of a person to Hepatitis B
Although some tests are specific for HBV, still other tests like AST, ALT, and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) might also be used for monitoring the progress of this disease. Furthermore, a liver biopsy might also be performed in order to evaluate the actual liver damage caused by Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B Testing Options & Which one should you choose?
Various testing options available for Hepatitis B are discussed below.
- The first test is Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAG) Test which is used to determine the presence of protein on the surface of the virus. This is the primary test to identify people with chronic infection.
- The next test is Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) Test which mainly determines the antibody produced in the patient’s body in response to the HBV antigen. This test detects the previous exposure to HBV and determines the necessity for vaccination.
- The next test is Total anti-hepatitis B core (anti-HBc, IgM and IgG) Test which detects both IgM and IgG antibodies to core antigen of Hepatitis B.
Once the initial tests identify an HBV infection, following tests might be used as a follow-up:
- Anti-hepatitis B core (anti-HBc), IgM
- Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAG)
- Anti-hepatitis B e antibody (Anti-HBe)
- Hepatitis B viral DNA
- Hepatitis B virus resistance mutations
Where to get tested for Hepatitis B?
We're the largest chain of Hepatitis B testing centers in the United States with over 4000 STD Testing centers in our group.
You can comfortably get tested at any of our STD Testing centers for Hepatitis B.
To get tested, just find a test center near you on our website with your area zip code, make a payment and visit the test center to get tested.
We will take just few minutes of yours to take your blood sample and your results will be sent to you in next 24 to 48 hours.
Want to Get Tested for Hepatitis B?
Find a test center near you with your zip code and get tested.
How to Order A Hepatitis B Test Online?
We have made the order process very easy for you. You can just click on the button below and register for the test online.
On our website, you will find different Hepatitis B testing options i.e Individual test & Panel test. The individual test for Hepatitis B Test cost $24. However, the panel test involving multiple tests such as Hepatitis A, B and C and seven more can be ordered collectively for a price of $198.
Once the test is selected, enter your ZIP code on the next page to find a test center near you.
After you choose the testing center, we'll ask you to create your profile on the next page. Fill out your personal details to create your account with us.
The last step is to make the payment for the test you have chosen. It is required to make the payment online as the centers do not accept payments in any form.
After your payment is done and you will receive an e-mail including a “Lab Requisition Form” along with a test code and the address of the selected STD center. You've to take this form to the Hepatitis B testing center to get tested. Testing centers need this form for record purpose.
When is the Right Time to Get Tested For Hepatitis B?
On being exposed to HBV, further infection can be controlled with a shot of Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) within 24 hours.
Generally, the health practitioner orders some additional tests in order to diagnose properly and to determine whether treatment is necessary or not.
For accurate results, some experts also suggest to wait for at least 6 weeks after infection as Hepatitis B doesn’t always show the signs and symptoms. This is the main reason why people are not aware that they have this infection.
Even if the symptoms don’t exist, an HBV infection can still damage the liver and the infection can be spread further to others. For this reason, it is imperative to get tested if you even have a minute doubt that you have been exposed to HBV.
How to Prepare for the Hepatitis B Test?
Just like most of the other tests, a blood sample is required for the hepatitis B test. Therefore, it does not require any particular preparation before the test.
Don't forget to order your test online before you visit any of our test centers. You can search for a test center near you on our website using your area zip code.
How is the Hepatitis B Test Done?
Hepatitis B test includes testing of a small sample of blood which is drawn when the patient visits the test center.
This test looks for Hepatitis B core IgM antibodies instead of surface antigens which are capable of disappearing. This test is the most reliable Hepatitis B Test present in the market.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a transmissible disease which occurs due to the Hepatitis B Virus, also called as HBV, which mainly affects the liver of a person. It is capable of causing both acute as well as chronic infections. Such an infection can lead to liver cancer, liver failure, scarring of the liver and also death in some cases.
Infected blood is the major carrier of HBV along with other body fluids like semen and vaginal secretions. It is spread more like the virus which causes AIDS. However, Hepatitis B is considered to be 50-100 times more infectious.
The symptoms of this infection can last for weeks but deaths caused due to the same are very rare. The symptoms might take 30-180 days before they start showing up. Majority of the patients with chronic infection have no symptoms at all, but liver cancer or cirrhosis might develop eventually. Due to such complications, approximately 15-25% of the patients with chronic disease lose their lives.
Due to less number of symptoms or perhaps lack of awareness, most people who are infected with HBV do not even realize that they have it. Once the immunity to this disease is developed in the body, it lasts for lifetime and the same infection does not occur again.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B Test may be booked when a person has the signs and symptoms related to acute Hepatitis in order to identify whether they have occurred due to the infection with HBV or not. Some of these are:
- Fever
- Dark urine
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Vomiting
- Pale stools
However, 30% of the diseased persons do not reveal any symptoms at all. For those cases where symptoms do show up, they take a period of around one to six months after the exposure where an average is considered to be that of three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What not to do when you have Hepatitis B?
If you are aware that you are carrying Hepatitis B, you should make sure you remember the following points:
- Do not involve in sexual intercourse without condoms
- Do not share manicuring tools, razor, or an pierced jewelry with any other person
- Do not share pre-chewed food
- Make sure to sterilize the needles for tattooing or piercing properly
- Always wear gloves before touching or cleaning any kinds of body secretions like linens or band aids.
- Do not drink alcohol
- Do not donate blood, sperm, tissue, body organ or plasma
How is Hepatitis A treated?
After a short time on being exposed to HBV, immediate immunization can be received from a doctor which includes shots of Hepatitis B vaccination along with a shot to strengthen the immune system which further helps to resist the infection.
Another prominent part of treatment is proper care of liver. All sorts of activities that can harm or stress the liver must be put on halt such as drinking alcohol or taking Tylenol or perhaps, consuming any other medicine.
If Hepatitis B persists for more than 6 months, much more aggressive treatment is required which includes dosage of various combinations of drugs such as Interferon, Lamivudine, Adefovir, Entecavir and Tenofovir. The duration of treatment when medication is consumed by mouth is usually considered to be longer than one year.
What happens if Hepatitis B is left untreated?
If Hepatitis B is left untreated, it leads to more complicated liver problems such as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis refers to the hardening of liver that causes scarring of liver tissue and at a later stage, the liver even stops working. Furthermore, the infection might get transferred to someone else in case of mere negligence.
Therefore, if you are infected by this virus, you must inform your doctor, sex partner, family members and your dentist that you are a Hepatitis B carrier.