Test Results For:
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
Test Overview
- Test Name
-
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Test Code
- HBSAG
Short Description
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
Test Name
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
Test Code
HBSAG
Category
Immunoassay
TAT
Main Lab:
8
Hour(s)
Family Site:
<8hrs, <6hrs
Specimen(s)
1 x Venous blood - 5 mL Tube - Gold - SST-Serum Separator Tube
Specimen Type
SST-Serum Separator Tube
Specimen Format
Tube
Specimen Colour
Gold
Specimen Volume
5 mL
Sampling Order
2
Origin
Venous blood
Collection Time after baseline
-
Transport Temperature
2-8°C
Accepted Other Specimens
Lithium Heparin Plasma
TAT
Main Lab:
8
Hour(s)
Family Site:
<8hrs, <6hrs
Test Stability
Room Temp:
8 Hour(s)
2–8°C:
14 Day(s)
Clinical Interest
The hepatitis B virus causes liver damage, including potentially fatal acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis that can lead to liver cirrhosis, considerably increasing the risk of liver cancer.
The discovery of specific viral antigens, in particular the outer membrane antigen (HBsAg), in blood fluid indicates contamination by this pathogen. It is the very first indicator of this condition.
This early indicator, visible in the blood a few weeks before the first clinical and biochemical signs appear, can remain present for a period ranging from just a few days to several years. If it is present continuously for more than 6 months, the infection is chronic.
Because there are many asymptomatic chronic carriers, HBsAg screening is required for every blood donation to prevent transmission of hepatitis by transfusion. In addition, prenatal screening of pregnant women has been recommended by health agencies so that newborns of HBV-carrying mothers can benefit from prophylactic treatment.
Clinical Information Required
-
Patient Collection Note
-
LOINC Code
96-1, 5196-1
Outwork
No