Hepatitis B Test

Hepatitis B Test

A Hepatitis B test checks for infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can cause liver disease. The test detects markers in your blood that indicate the presence of the virus, past infection, or immunity from vaccination.

Types of Hepatitis B Tests

  • Purpose: Detects the presence of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the blood, which indicates an active infection.
  • Use: Often used for screening. A positive result means the person is currently infected.
  • Availability: Offered widely, and it’s often part of routine health checks in Thailand.
  • Purpose: Determines if a person is immune to Hepatitis B, either from vaccination or recovery from a past infection.
  • Use: Commonly checked to confirm immunity before working in healthcare or other industries that require Hepatitis B immunity.
  • Availability: Also common, especially before certain work visas, job positions, or as part of pre-marital testing.
  • Purpose: Detects previous or ongoing infection with HBV. This test doesn’t differentiate between acute, chronic, or past infection but shows that someone has been exposed to the virus.
  • Use: Often done in combination with HBsAg and Anti-HBs for a complete picture of HBV status.
  • Availability: Available in most hospitals and diagnostic labs.
  • Purpose: HBeAg checks for viral replication, while the DNA test measures the viral load. These tests help determine how actively the virus is replicating and the infection severity.
  • Use: Typically recommended for individuals with chronic Hepatitis B to monitor disease progression and treatment response.
  • Availability: These tests may be slightly more specialized, so larger hospitals and dedicated labs are more likely to offer them.

Procedure for a Hepatitis B Test

Preparation

No special preparation, like fasting, is generally needed for a Hepatitis B test. However, your doctor may provide specific instructions if other tests are conducted simultaneously.
If you have a specific health condition or are on medication, inform your healthcare provider.

Blood Sample Collection

The test involves a standard blood draw, usually taken from a vein in your arm.
A healthcare provider will cleanse the skin at the site, typically on the inside of your elbow, and use a needle to draw a small sample of blood.

Post-Collection

After blood is drawn, the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. You can usually leave immediately after the blood draw.
Most people experience only mild discomfort or a small bruise.

Results

Results are typically available within a few days, though this can vary depending on the healthcare facility.
If you’re undergoing advanced testing, like the HBV DNA test, the results might take slightly longer.

  • HBsAg Positive: Indicates current infection, either acute or chronic.
  • Anti-HBs Positive: Shows immunity to HBV, likely from past infection or vaccination.
  • Anti-HBc Positive: Indicates prior exposure to the virus.
  • HBeAg and HBV DNA Positive: Suggests active replication of the virus, especially in chronic cases.
  • HBsAg Positive: Indicates current infection, either acute or chronic.
  • Anti-HBs Positive: Shows immunity to HBV, likely from past infection or vaccination.
  • Anti-HBc Positive: Indicates prior exposure to the virus.
  • HBeAg and HBV DNA Positive: Suggests active replication of the virus, especially in chronic cases.

Testing positive on an initial screen might lead to additional tests to confirm the diagnosis, understand the infection stage, and assess liver health.

ZBy Zeniq offer these tests, often at competitive prices between 500-1000 bhat, and results can be ready within a day or two.

For those tested positive, follow-up care is recommended and often includes liver function tests, ultrasound scans, or FibroScan to monitor liver health. ZByZeniq offer complete treatment for Hepatitis -B positive patients.