Anti HBs Antibody Test - HbsAg

Anti HBs Test Overview

Hepatitis B surface antibody test (HBsAb) detects antibodies against hepatitis B virus (HBV). The Anti HBsAg test is used to determine past exposure & status of adequate immunity in vaccinated individuals

The Anti HbsAg Antibody test is used to identify an individual's level of immunity against Hepatitis B as part of the screening and evaluation to prevent and control Hepatitis B infection.

It helps detect the Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) in a person's plasma sample to confirm if a person is vaccinated or infected with the virus.

This test also helps assess the acquired immunity against the disease. Sufficient anti-HbsAg antibodies indicate that a person has been infected with and recovered from the disease or has been vaccinated against HBV, essential for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers and pregnant women.

Who should do an Anti HbsAg Antibody test?

People who should consider taking an Anti HbsAg Antibody test include -

• Individuals with a family history of liver disease
• Healthcare workers
• Pregnant women
• People who have recently traveled abroad
• Individuals with a weakened immune system
• People who use injection drugs

For health professionals, an Anti-HbsAg Antibody test can provide the following important information:

• Determine HBV exposure.
• Differentiate between individuals exposed and those who have eliminated the pathogen.
• Find recent HBV viral exposures.
• Find HBV-immune persons
• Evaluate HBV therapies.
• Identify acute and chronic HBV infections
• Help manage HBV infection
• Prenatal HBV testing for pregnant women

Written by: Dr Pooja Trehan, M.D Pathology, Dept. of Heamatology