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

What you need to know about the hepatitis B virus antigen test

Australia antigen or HBsAg antigen (Hepatitis B surface Antigen) is one of the components of the hepatitis B virus envelope. The hepatitis B virus surface antigen is often called the Australian antigen, because it was first discovered in the serum of Aboriginal people in Australia. HBsAg (Australian antigen) analysis - determines the presence of the antigen (virus) in the blood, and is the earliest indicator of hepatitis B infection.
A blood test for HBsAg makes it possible to determine whether a person has been infected with the hepatitis B virus as early as 10-12 days after the virus enters the human body. This allows you to check the likelihood of infection if you fall into a risk group and start treatment as soon as possible.
It is also important to understand that the Australia antigen circulates in a person's blood for 5-6 months after infection and then disappears. The detection of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (Australian antigen) in the blood more than 6 months after the onset of the disease indicates the likelihood that hepatitis B has become chronic.

How to prepare for the analysis

In the morning on an empty stomach, you can drink clean still water. Venous blood from 2 years. The day before, you need to exclude fatty or spicy foods and alcohol from your diet, as well as physical activity.