Benefits of the HBsAg Test for Diagnosing Hepatitis B

HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen) test is performed as a way to detect hepatitis B. If the test results show positive results, then it indicates the presence of the hepatitis B virus in the body. Hepatitis B is one of the health problems that is still commonly found in Indonesia. According to the Ministry of Health, in 2014 there were around 28 million Indonesians with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can sometimes go undetected, because there are some patients who do not feel symptoms when infected with the hepatitis B virus. The symptoms that can occur in hepatitis B, such as:
  • Yellow skin and eyes.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Stomach ache.
  • Fever.
  • Prolonged fatigue.
  • Leucorrhoea stained.
  • Dark urine.
To diagnose correctly, doctors need to do a physical examination, liver function tests, and hepatitis B serology including HBsAg tests through blood samples. As a step for early detection and treatment, HBsAg testing in pregnant women and newborns is also important.

Relationship of HBsAg Test with Hepatitis B

HBsAg is a protein found on the surface of the hepatitis B virus. HBsAg test that shows positive results, indicates that a person is infected with the hepatitis virus, and may be able to infect the virus to other people. However, this test cannot be the only benchmark, because positive HBsAg results can also occur within 2 weeks after hepatitis B vaccination in some people. If needed, additional tests can be done to confirm hepatitis B infection, namely the Anti HBc, anti HBs and IgM anti HBc tests. With a series of tests, the results can be obtained to ensure that hepatitis B is experienced, as well as knowing that hepatitis B suffered entered into the acute or chronic stage.
  • Acute hepatitis

  • In acute hepatitis B, for example, test results will show:
  • HBsAg positive
  • anti HBc positive
  • IgM anti-HBc positive
  • Anti-HBs negative
Acute hepatitis B infection will usually occur in a short time, which is around 1-3 months. After hepatitis B infection, the body can recover fully within a few months with the support of a good immune system. If the immune system cannot completely fight the hepatitis B virus, it can develop into chronic hepatitis B.
  • Chronic hepatitis

  • In chronic hepatitis B, test results show:
  • HBsAg positive
  • Anti-HBc positive
  • IgM anti-HBc is negative
  • Anti-HBs negative
If hepatitis B infection occurs for more than 6 months, this condition includes chronic hepatitis B. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis B are usually mild or asymptomatic, and often recur. If the immune system is not optimal, it is difficult to fight hepatitis B virus infection. Even someone who has chronic hepatitis B infection may be able to suffer from this disease throughout his life. This condition can then cause serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, if left untreated. To get protection from hepatitis B, you need to get hepatitis B vaccination, live a healthy lifestyle, avoid risky behaviors such as free sex and share needles. Conducting routine health checks, including HBsAg tests, is also an important step in detecting hepatitis B early.

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