Lab test · Hepatology
HBeAg (Hepatitis B e Antigen)
Hepatitis B activity
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 2 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Hepatitis B activity
HBeAg is a protein released when the hepatitis B virus is actively multiplying. Its presence usually means there is a lot of virus in the blood and that the infection is more easily passed on. It is used in people who already have hepatitis B (HBsAg positive) to judge how active the infection is and to guide monitoring and treatment decisions.
Why a doctor may order it
- When HBsAg is positive, to see how active the infection is
- In pregnancy with hepatitis B, to help assess the chance of passing it to the baby
- To monitor hepatitis B over time or during treatment
- Together with HBV DNA and liver function tests
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
No preparation is needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking hepatitis B medicines, and keep taking them as prescribed.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- At home, the collector cleans a small area of skin and draws a little blood from a vein in your arm. The tube is labelled and sent for testing.
- Report
- Within 2 days of collection.
What the results can mean
A positive HBeAg usually means the virus is multiplying actively and the infection is more infectious. A negative result often means lower activity, but some people have HBeAg-negative hepatitis B with an active virus, so HBV DNA is usually checked as well. When HBeAg disappears and anti-HBe appears, this is usually a good sign. Your doctor will interpret the result together with your other hepatitis B tests and liver function.
What's included
One test: HBeAg (Hepatitis B e Antigen), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)HBsAg is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus.
- Hepatitis B Viral Load (HBV DNA)This test measures how much hepatitis B virus genetic material (DNA) is in your blood, using a sensitive method called PCR.
- Anti-HBc Total (Hepatitis B Core Antibody)Past or current hepatitis B৳550
- Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody)Hepatitis B immunity (vaccine)৳550
- Liver Function Test (LFT)A liver function test is a group of blood tests that show how well your liver is working and whether it is inflamed or damaged.
- Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV)Hepatitis C screening৳450
Questions people ask
What does HBeAg positive mean?
It means the hepatitis B virus is multiplying actively. The level of virus in the blood is usually high and the infection is more easily passed on.
What is HBeAg seroconversion?
It is when HBeAg disappears from the blood and antibodies to it (anti-HBe) appear. It usually means the virus has become less active.
Can someone be HBeAg negative and still have active hepatitis B?
Yes. Some forms of the virus do not make HBeAg but still multiply, which is why doctors also measure HBV DNA.
How much does a HBeAg test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳550, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the HBeAg test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the HBeAg report take?
The report is usually ready within 2 days of the sample being collected.