Types of Blood Tests for Diagnosing Hepatitis B


Hepatitis B is a common, serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood or certain bodily fluids. The most common method of transmission is from infected pregnant women, who can transmit hepatitis B to the baby during childbirth. It is also called a silent epidemic, as most people do not show symptoms when they are newly infected and can unknowingly spread it to other people. However, hepatitis B is curable, and there are some blood tests which can diagnose the infection.

HBsAg

The HBsAg test detects the HBsAg, a protein on the surface of the HBV during acute or chronic HBV infection. A positive HBsAg result indicates that a person has contracted the hepatitis B infection. After this, further testing is needed to diagnose whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Anti-HBs

This blood test measures whether a person has immunity against the hepatitis B virus. The presence of anti-HBs is an indication of recovery and immunity from HBV infection. The immunity can be the result of the vaccination for the hepatitis B virus. A positive test result indicates that a person is immune to the hepatitis B virus and cannot be infected.


Anti-HBc

The anti-HBc test measures both immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). Their presence indicates previous or ongoing infection with HBV. A positive test alone does not tell if a person has a past or current hepatitis B infection. The test results can be interpreted by knowing the results of the first two HBV tests.

Blood test is key to early detection and the accurate diagnosis of hepatitis B. Testing methods, such as Anti-HBc and other viral marker tests helps in detecting whether the individual is infected, has immunity to the virus, and whether they have previously been infected with the virus. With that knowledge, physicians can give appropriate medical guidance and reduce the potential complications from and diminish the risk of transmission, which allows hepatitis B to be manageable and treatable when diagnosed early.

Along with specific blood tests for diagnosing Hepatitis B, a comprehensive health evaluation is important to assess overall liver function and general wellness. Many diagnostic centres offer complete screening packages, enabling individuals to compare the full body checkup in bhubaneswar and select a suitable plan based on their needs and budget. Regular full body checkups support early detection of liver-related issues and help in timely medical management.

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