Hepatitis B Surface Antigen; Quantitative (cmia)

According to WHO, Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents leading to a range of health problems, some of which can be fatal. There are five main strains of the Hepatitis virus, referred to as type A, B, C, D and E.

All of these viruses cause liver infection, they differ in their mode of transmission, severity and geographical distribution. Types B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and together are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis-related deaths. 

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a major global health problem. It can cause chronic infection and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids during sex with an infected partner, unsafe injections or exposure to sharp instruments. Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccines that are safe, available and effective.

HBsAg is the most important serum marker for diagnosing HBV infection.

Interpretation of HBsAg test values

A positive result means that you have a Hepatitis B infection. It is possible to be infected by Hepatitis B for many years before symptoms appear and often this is why Hepatitis B is called as the silent killer. In chronic cases, it is possible that Hepatitis B is not cured even after medication for over 6 months and may lead to liver problems.