Lab test · Hepatology
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)
Hepatitis B screening
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Hepatitis B screening
HBsAg is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus. This test looks for it in your blood to find out whether you currently have a hepatitis B infection. Hepatitis B affects the liver and can be short-term or long-lasting, and many people with a long-term infection feel well and do not know they have it. The virus spreads through blood, through sex and from mother to baby around birth, so screening is common in pregnancy and before surgery or employment.
Why a doctor may order it
- During pregnancy, to protect the baby from infection around birth
- Before surgery, dialysis, blood donation or some jobs
- If you have jaundice or abnormal liver tests
- If a family member or partner has hepatitis B
- Before starting treatments that weaken the immune system
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
You can eat and drink as usual, and fasting is not part of this test. Keep taking your regular medicines. Let your doctor know if you have had the hepatitis B vaccine or a past hepatitis B infection, as this helps in reading the result.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- A trained sample collector comes to your home and takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a new, sterile needle. The whole process takes a few minutes.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
A negative result usually means you do not currently have hepatitis B infection, although a very recent infection may not show up yet. A positive result means the virus is present, and further tests are needed to show whether the infection is recent or long-term and how active it is. Your doctor will interpret the result and advise on next steps, including testing and vaccination for close family members.
What's included
One test: Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody)Hepatitis B immunity (vaccine)৳550
- HBeAg (Hepatitis B e Antigen)Hepatitis B activity৳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.
- SGPT (Alanine Aminotransferase, ALT)SGPT, also called ALT (alanine aminotransferase), is an enzyme found mainly inside liver cells.
- Hepatitis A IgM Antibody (Anti-HAV IgM)Hepatitis A infection৳450
- Hepatitis E IgM Antibody (Anti-HEV IgM)Hepatitis E (jaundice) infection৳550
Questions people ask
What does a positive HBsAg result mean?
It means hepatitis B virus is present in your blood. Your doctor will usually order more tests, such as HBeAg, liver function tests and a viral load, to understand the infection and decide whether treatment is needed.
Does HBsAg show whether I am immune to hepatitis B?
No. HBsAg shows current infection. Immunity from a vaccine or a past infection is checked with a different test called anti-HBs.
Can hepatitis B be prevented?
Yes. A safe and effective vaccine protects against hepatitis B. It is part of the routine childhood vaccine schedule, and adults who are not protected can ask their doctor about it.
Can hepatitis B spread through sharing food?
No. Hepatitis B does not spread through sharing food, water, cups or cutlery, or through hugging. It spreads mainly through blood, through sex and from mother to baby.
How much does a HBsAg test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳430, 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 HBsAg 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 HBsAg report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.