What is the test ?
Hepatitis B infection is infection with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Screening is done with a blood test for the HBV antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs).
Why do the test ?
Chronic hepatitis B infection is endemic in this part of the world. People with HBV infection may become seriously ill with or may die from liverdisease and/or from liver cancer.
Who should do the test ?
You should be screened if you are:
● pregnant
● a healthcare worker
● a person undergoing kidney dialysis
● at high risk. This includes having a family history of HBV infection or liver cancer, or
engaging in high-risk behaviour. (High risk behaviour includes having had sex with prostitutes or strangers, having many sex partners, having a sex partner who has HBV infection, drug addicts who share injection needles).
How is the test done ?
It is a blood test. It should be carried out before vaccination. some people have natural immunity. If the antibody is present, the person is immune to hepatitis B infection and vaccination is not required.
