Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody

Also known as Anti-HBs

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You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody

What is Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody?

The Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody is a blood test that helps detect the presence of antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It helps determine if you have immunity to HBV due to past infection or vaccination. It is important to verify the success of the Hepatitis B vaccination and assess whether additional vaccinations (booster shots) are needed.

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by an infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The infection can be acute (short and severe) or chronic (long term). It can spread through contact with infected body fluids like blood, saliva, vaginal fluids and semen. It can also be passed from a mother to her baby.

The Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test provides information about a current or past infection with HBV. Also, it may be used to diagnose hepatitis B, assess its severity, and determine whether you have immunity to this disease. Understanding your immunity status is important for several reasons, including verifying the effectiveness of the Hepatitis B vaccine, deciding if you need additional vaccination or booster doses, and screening blood donors to ensure that they don't carry the virus.

The Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test is recommended for infants born to mothers who may have hepatitis B, workers who are likely to be exposed to blood and body fluids, individuals on kidney dialysis, immunocompromised individuals and those who have a Hepatitis-B positive partner. Your doctor may also suggest this test to screen for hepatitis infection, diagnose and evaluate HBV infection, to assess past HBV infection and future immunity, to monitor the disease progression and treatment response.

Hepatitis B can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. The Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test helps to determine if vaccination is needed or, following a vaccination regimen, if protective immunity has been achieved.

No special preparation is required for the Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test. However, inform your doctor about any medications, supplements or any underlying medical conditions you may have, as these factors could potentially affect the test results.

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results.

What is Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody used for?

The Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test is done:

To check if you have developed immunity against HBV from past infection or vaccination.
To assess a need for hepatitis B vaccination or booster shots.
To confirm if the Hepatitis B vaccine has effectively produced an immune response.
To ensure blood donors have immunity and are not carriers of HBV.
To monitor immunity in individuals who have been exposed to the virus.

What does Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody measure?

The Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test measures the presence of antibodies produced by the immune system against hepatitis B virus (HBV) or the hepatitis B vaccine (immunity) in vaccinated individuals. There are two types of antibodies produced in response to the hepatitis B virus: Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgM antibodies mount the first attack against HBV but eventually fades away. IgG antibodies provide long-lasting immune protection against HBV. The immunity can last for many years, but it gradually decreases over time.

A positive test result indicates immunity to hepatitis B, either from past infection and subsequent recovery or from vaccination. The Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test is important to determine whether you have protective immunity against HBV and if you are at risk of contracting the virus in the future. It can also help guide decisions on whether you need the hepatitis B vaccine or a booster shot to maintain immunity.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody

Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody

Q. What does the Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test for?

The Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test detects proteins that are made by the immune system (antibodies) in response to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The test is used to find out if you are immune to the virus after natural exposure or vaccination.

Q. Why do I need the Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test?

You may need this test to check if you have developed immunity after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine, to confirm past hepatitis B infection recovery, or to decide whether vaccination is required for protection against the hepatitis B virus.

Q. What are the risks associated with the Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test?

The risks associated with this test are generally minimal. However, some people may experience mild pain or discomfort at the site from where the blood sample is taken, which is usually self-limiting.

Q. What does positive hepatitis B surface antibody mean?

A "positive" or "reactive" Hepatitis B s (Surface) Antibody test result indicates that a person is protected against the hepatitis B virus. This protection can be the result of receiving the hepatitis B vaccine or successfully recovering from a past hepatitis B infection.