Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)

Microbiology

The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals.
Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is used as the primary test for acute or active Hepatitis B infection
Additional tests are performed on new Hepatitis B surface antigen positives.
To determine immunity status after Hepatitis B vaccination, please request hepatitis B surface antibodies
In the case of sharps/exposure incidents, same day testing of the source patient's blood is available. Please advise the laboratory. Suspected infectious hepatitis is a notifiable disease: Notifiable disease form.
This test is part of the following viral screen sets:
- - Hepatitis screen - acute
  - Hepatitis screen - chronic

Serum - paired samples not required

8.5ml of blood taken into a plain gel tube

Relevant clinical details
Date of onset
Jaundice, abnormal LFTs
For sharps/exposure incidents state whether source or recipient and date of exposure
Suspected past exposure to Hepatitis B

Store at fridge temperature

Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature

3 - 5 days

Same day for sharps/exposure incidents