Hepatitis B Titer Surface Antigen

Formal Name of the Test:
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex Confirmation

Other Names Used:
Anti-HBs, Antibody to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, HBsAg, Hepatitis-associated Antigen, Hepatitis B Acute Exposure

Sample Required:
Serum

Test Overview:
The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen is the first sign of acute infection. It’s also a sign of chronic infection. The test is helpful in the differential diagnosis of hepatitis. Even if HBsAg is negative, patients can develop acute type B viral hepatitis. When HBsAg is negative but the patient has not yet acquired the antibody, there is sometimes a “core window” stage (anti-HBs). Both anti-HBc tests are frequently positive in such cases, and anti-HBc, IgM is the only specific marker for the diagnosis of acute hepatitis B infection. Serologic testing should not be confined to finding HBsAg in situations where there is a high clinical suspicion of viral hepatitis but should encompass a battery of tests to examine different stages of acute and convalescent hepatitis.

Test Preparation:
There is no need for any prior preparation.

Test Performed at:
Quest Diagnostics, Test Code 498
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