Lab test · Hepatology
HBsAg Test by ELISA (Confirmatory)
Hepatitis B screening
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Hepatitis B screening
HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus. Finding it in the blood means a person currently has hepatitis B, either a new (acute) infection or a long-term (chronic) one. ELISA is a laboratory method that is more sensitive than rapid strip tests, so it is used to confirm a screening result. If HBsAg stays positive for more than six months, the infection is considered chronic.
Why a doctor may order it
- To confirm a positive rapid HBsAg test
- As part of screening in pregnancy
- Jaundice, tiredness or raised liver enzymes
- Before surgery, dialysis or blood donation, or for work screening
- When a family member or partner has hepatitis B
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
No special preparation is needed; you can eat, drink and take your regular medicines.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- A collector comes to your home and draws a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The tube is sealed, labelled and sent to the laboratory for ELISA testing.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
A positive result means hepatitis B virus is present. Your doctor will usually order further tests, such as HBeAg, anti-HBc, HBV DNA and liver function tests, to see whether the infection is new or long-term and how active it is. A negative result means no current infection was found, but it does not show whether you are immune; the anti-HBs test does that. Your doctor will interpret the results for you.
What's included
One test: HBsAg Test by ELISA (Confirmatory), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)HBsAg is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus.
- Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody)Hepatitis B immunity (vaccine)৳550
- Anti-HBc Total (Hepatitis B Core Antibody)Anti-HBc total measures antibodies (IgM and IgG together) against the core of the hepatitis B virus.
- HBeAg (Hepatitis B e Antigen)Hepatitis B activity৳550
- 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.
- Liver Function Test (LFT)Liver function৳550
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a rapid HBsAg test and ELISA?
Both look for the same protein. ELISA is done on laboratory equipment and can detect smaller amounts, so it is used to confirm a rapid test result.
What does a positive HBsAg mean?
It means you currently have hepatitis B. It does not show how long you have had it or how active it is, so your doctor will arrange more tests.
Can hepatitis B pass to my baby?
Yes, mainly around the time of birth. Doctors can greatly reduce this risk, including by vaccinating the baby soon after birth, so tell your doctor if you test positive in pregnancy.
How is hepatitis B spread?
Through blood, sexual contact and from mother to baby at birth. It is not spread by sharing food, hugging or everyday contact.
How much does a HBsAg ELISA 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 ELISA 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 ELISA report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.