Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Test
This test checks to see if you have previously been exposed to hepatitis B virus, either through infection or vaccination.
This test checks to see if you have previously been exposed to hepatitis B virus, either through infection or vaccination.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Frequently, hepatitis is caused by a viral infection. Three of the most common hepatitis viruses are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The hepatitis B surface antibody test (HbsAb) is done to determine if you have developed antibodies to the hepatitis B virus. (An antibody is a substance the body makes to protect itself from infection.) Your healthcare provider may recommend this test to:
- Detect previous exposure to the hepatitis B virus
- Determine if a vaccination has been successful
- Determine the need for vaccination (HbsAb is absent)
- Determine if a person has recovered from an infection and has immunity
Your healthcare provider will ask about potential exposure to hepatitis, previous blood transfusions and sexual practices. If you are diagnosed with hepatitis B, your healthcare provider may also recommend:
- Hepatitis C and HIV testing (these 3 infections have many risk factors in common)
- Other hepatitis B antibodies and antigens (substances that cause the body to make antibodies)
- Blood tests to see how well your liver is working
Your doctor may also recommend repeating certain blood tests at specific intervals.
In an adult, the blood sample is taken by placing a needle in a vein in the arm.
- Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking.
- Some medications can interfere with the test.
This care path's costs do not include the charge to draw blood from a vein (venipuncture). There will only be one charge to draw blood, even if multiple tests are being performed on the samples that are taken.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- If the test is positive, what is my treatment plan? What precautions should I take?
- If the test is negative, what else could be causing my symptoms? Do I have a different type of hepatitis?
- What other tests might I need?
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
Hepatitis B Surface Antibody TestLaboratory WorkLiverHepatitis CHepatitis BHepatitis AViral InfectionHepatitis
This test checks to see if you have previously been exposed to hepatitis B virus, either through infection or vaccination.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Frequently, hepatitis is caused by a viral infection. Three of the most common hepatitis viruses are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The hepatitis B surface antibody test (HbsAb) is done to determine if you have developed antibodies to the hepatitis B virus. (An antibody is a substance the body makes to protect itself from infection.) Your healthcare provider may recommend this test to:
- Detect previous exposure to the hepatitis B virus
- Determine if a vaccination has been successful
- Determine the need for vaccination (HbsAb is absent)
- Determine if a person has recovered from an infection and has immunity
Your healthcare provider will ask about potential exposure to hepatitis, previous blood transfusions and sexual practices. If you are diagnosed with hepatitis B, your healthcare provider may also recommend:
- Hepatitis C and HIV testing (these 3 infections have many risk factors in common)
- Other hepatitis B antibodies and antigens (substances that cause the body to make antibodies)
- Blood tests to see how well your liver is working
Your doctor may also recommend repeating certain blood tests at specific intervals.
In an adult, the blood sample is taken by placing a needle in a vein in the arm.
- Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking.
- Some medications can interfere with the test.
This care path's costs do not include the charge to draw blood from a vein (venipuncture). There will only be one charge to draw blood, even if multiple tests are being performed on the samples that are taken.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- If the test is positive, what is my treatment plan? What precautions should I take?
- If the test is negative, what else could be causing my symptoms? Do I have a different type of hepatitis?
- What other tests might I need?
Source UHC.com
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