Hepatitis virus antigen (Australian antigen) B (HBV) HBsAg

Australian antigen or antigen HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface Antigen) is one of the components of the envelope of the hepatitis B virus. The surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus is often called the Australian antigen, because it was first detected in the blood serum of Aboriginal people in Australia. Analysis for HBsAg (Australian antigen) - determines the presence of antigen (virus) in the blood, and is the earliest indicator of hepatitis B infection. Blood analysis for HBsAg makes it possible to determine whether infection with the hepatitis B virus occurred already 10-12 days after the virus entered the the human body. This makes it possible to check the probability of infection of a person in case of falling into a risk group and start treatment as soon as possible. It is also necessary to understand that the Australian antigen circulates in a person's blood for 5-6 months after infection and then disappears. The detection of the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus (Australian antigen) in the blood more than 6 months after the onset of the disease indicates the probability that hepatitis B has turned into a chronic form.