It’s important to get tested for hepatitis B for a couple of reasons. First, finding it early and getting treated can stop serious problems from happening. Second, if you have hepatitis B, you can take steps to make sure you don’t pass it on to others.
The cost of the HBsAg test can vary, ranging from approximately Rs. 150 to Rs. 1300. This depends on factors like where you are, the type of lab you go to, and whether you need extra services, like getting the test done at home or getting results quickly.
In this blog, we’ll give you information about the HBsAg and its test, and we’ll talk about the cost, procedure, symptoms and tips to save money
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a virus that affects your liver. It makes your liver inflamed, which is what hepatitis means. At first, it’s usually a short infection. But for some people, it becomes a long-lasting problem.
Having inflammation in your liver for a long time can really hurt it. It can cause cirrhosis and liver failure. Sometimes, hepatitis B doesn’t cause any symptoms, so lots of people don’t know they have it.
Acute Hepatitis B:
Chronic Hepatitis B:
What is an HBsAg test?
Benefits of Taking an HBsAg Test
- Detect Hepatitis B: The main benefit of the HBsAg test is to find out if someone has hepatitis B.
- Early Treatment:Finding hepatitis B early helps doctors suggest the right treatment to manage the condition and reduce complications.
- Identify Chronic Infection:This test also shows if the hepatitis B infection is chronic, so doctors can start appropriate treatment to control it.
- Track Disease Progress:The HBsAg test helps monitor how the disease is progressing and how well the treatment is working.
- Prevent Spread:Getting tested early can help stop the spread of hepatitis B by taking necessary precautions.
Symptoms of HBsAg Test
Not everyone experiences symptoms. If you do, they can vary from mild to severe. Symptoms may occur during the initial phase of infection and also during chronic infection. Even without symptoms, you can still transmit the infection.
Common symptoms of infection include:
- Fever
- Not feeling hungry
- Feeling sick and throwing up
- Stomach ache
- Feeling weak and tired
- Joint pain
Symptoms of liver disease may include:
- Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark pee
- Light or pale poop
- Swelling in your belly, arms, or legs because of fluid buildup
During acute infection, symptoms of liver disease may indicate a more severe reaction. While many people clear the HBV virus naturally, seeking medical attention is advised if symptoms of liver disease occur.
In chronic infection, symptoms may be mild or absent for years. The onset of symptoms, especially those related to liver disease, may suggest liver failure.
HBsAg Test Price in Various Cities of India
| CITY | AVERAGE PRICE(Rs.) | STARTING PRICE(Rs.) | MAXIMUM PRICE(Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agra | 400 | 300 | 600 |
| Ahmedabad | 450 | 350 | 700 |
| Amritsar | 500 | 400 | 800 |
| Bangalore | 600 | 450 | 900 |
| Bhubaneswar | 400 | 300 | 650 |
| Chandigarh | 550 | 400 | 850 |
| Chennai | 500 | 350 | 800 |
| Coimbatore | 450 | 350 | 750 |
| Delhi | 550 | 400 | 900 |
| Ernakulam | 500 | 350 | 800 |
| Gurgaon | 550 | 400 | 900 |
| Hyderabad | 500 | 350 | 850 |
| Indore | 450 | 350 | 750 |
| Jaipur | 500 | 350 | 800 |
| Kochi | 500 | 350 | 800 |
| Kolkata | 550 | 400 | 900 |
| Lucknow | 450 | 350 | 750 |
| Mumbai | 600 | 450 | 950 |
| Mysore | 450 | 350 | 750 |
| Pune | 550 | 400 | 900 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 500 | 350 | 800 |
| Vadodara | 450 | 350 | 750 |
Preparations Required for HBsAg Blood Test
The HBS Test is an easy blood test that doesn’t need any special preparations before. Here are some simple tips to make sure the test results are accurate:
- No Need to Fast: You don’t have to fast before the test. You can eat and drink normally any time before the test.
- Stay Hydrated: It’s important to drink enough water to stay hydrated. This helps make sure the test results aren’t affected.
- Stay Calm: Being stressed or anxious can affect your hormones and mess up the test results. Try to stay calm when getting your blood drawn to avoid any issues.
- Tell Your Doctor: If you’re taking any medication, let your doctor know. They can give you advice about how it might affect the test.
Following these simple tips will help make sure your blood is drawn safely and the results are accurate.
Procedure For Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test
Understanding the Results
If the test shows you have HBsAg, it means you have the hepatitis B virus and can pass it to others. More tests will be needed to figure out if it’s an active or inactive infection.
Inactive infection means you’re not spreading the virus right now, but it’s still in your body and can become active later. Chronic infection means the virus has been with you for more than six months and could lead to serious liver issues like cirrhosis or liver cancer.
After a positive HBsAg test, your doctor may order more tests to confirm the diagnosis and check how much virus is in your blood. These extra tests could include the hepatitis B viral load test and checking liver enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
Stay ahead of your health journey with Health-e! If you’ve tested positive for HBsAg, it’s essential to track your results closely. With Health-e, you can easily manage your hepatitis B status and upcoming tests. Keep your health in check – download Health-e now!
Closing Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Is Fasting Necessary for HBsAg Test?
No, there is no need to fast for the HBsAg test. You can get the test done at any time of the day without fasting.
2. How Long Does it Take to Get HBsAg Test Results?
3. Can Hepatitis B be Cured?
If you have a temporary infection, your immune system can fight it off on its own and a blood test can confirm your recovery. If you have a chronic infection, it may not be curable but treatment can help manage it. A blood test can determine if treatment is necessary.
4. How Do I Take Care of Myself if I Have Chronic Hepatitis B?
For chronic hepatitis B, regularly see your doctor, take meds as prescribed, and make healthy lifestyle changes. Prevent transmission by ensuring close contacts are vaccinated, practicing safe sex, and not sharing personal items. Keep all your medical information accessible using PHR apps like Health-e including lab results, treatment plans, and medication schedules
