Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test

Also Known As

HBsAg, HBV, Hepatitis-Associated Antigen

The Purpose of an HBsAg Blood Test

Hepatitis B is a type of viral hepatitis that can be passed between people via infected bodily fluids. The virus, which affects the liver, can resolve quickly for some people, but others can contract chronic hepatitis B, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms as well as serious consequences such as a heightened risk of liver cancer or disease. If you haven’t been vaccinated for hepatitis B, which gives you immunity, and you’ve been exposed to the virus, you may want to take an HBsAg test.

What Does the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test Measure?

An antigen is a type of protein associated with the virus, and it triggers your immune system response when you’ve contracted the disease. This test determines if you have these antigens in your blood. This can help a physician to determine if you have hepatitis B and, if so, whether you need more testing to figure out if it’s a new infection or a chronic issue.

Who Should Take a Surface Antigen Hep B Test?

You may want a hep B surface antigen test if you have the following symptoms after exposure to the virus:

• Jaundice
• Decreased appetite
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Stomach pain and nausea

HBsAg Blood Test Preparation

You don’t have to take any special measures prior to your HBsAg test.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test Results

A positive (also known as reactive) result confirms you have the hepatitis B virus. It also means you are considered contagious and can pass the disease on to other people.

Where Can I Get a Surface Antigen Hep B Test Near Me?

High-quality hep B surface antigen testing is closer than you think. The Personalabs online store makes it simple to purchase a test (there are more than 400 you can choose from, including a wide selection of liver tests). Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to getting valuable information that will influence your healthcare choices:

Step 1: Purchase the test you want at Personalabs, then download the lab order that you’ll take with you to the blood draw appointment. (Note: Check the rules in the state where you live; some states don’t require a doctor’s approval to buy a test.)

Step 2: Hop on our lab locator tool on the Personalabs website. It’s a quick and easy way to find the lab near you out of our 4,000-plus partner facilities nationwide. Because we work with two of the country’s top lab companies, Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics, you’ll have plenty of options when it’s time to get tested.

Step 3: Go to the lab with your test order and have your blood drawn.

Step 4: Check your secure and private Personalabs portal for results, usually between 2 and 10 business days after your test. If you’re relying on getting results by a certain date, just contact us and we will reach out to the lab to help. And if you want to know what steps to take after getting the results, just set up a telehealth visit with one of our doctors, who will listen and make recommendations.

Shop our health tests today.