A HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) test uses a blood sample taken from the vein. The surface antigen test detects the presence of the Hepatitis B virus within your blood.

If the result is positive, the blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for further testing to determine whether the infection is acute or chronic.

If the laboratory tests determine that the virus has resided in the body for less than 6 months and is fairly new, this is known as an acute Hepatitis B infection. A blood test will need to be done after 6 months to determine if the virus still remains.

A chronic infection means that the virus has resided in the body for more than 6 months. Most people with chronic Hepatitis B are able to live a long, full life.

Although Hepatitis B can be transmitted through semen, vaginal fluids and blood, it is a blood virus and resides in your blood. Therefore, the presence of the virus can only be detected in your blood.

You should get tested for Hepatitis B if you have known exposure (for example, if you have had sex or shared a needle with someone who has the infection), you are a sex worker, drug user, engage in chemsex, travelling to or from a country with high prevalence of Hepatitis B, or if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• High temperature
• Tiredness
• Pain in your stomach
• Feeling nauseous or being sick
• Itchy patches on your skin
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin

Most people have mild or no symptoms but may still be infected. It is important to get tested to ensure that you are not at risk of passing the infection to others, should you have it.

If you are currently on any antiviral medications, this may affect the results. We will of course discuss this with you before we carry out the test.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for your appointment:

• Try to remember (as much as possible) the details of why you are visiting. For example, if you are showing symptoms, try to remember when these started and the potential cause of exposure.
• Drink lots of water beforehand to ensure that you are well hydrated and your veins are visible and easy to find. This ensures that we are able to take your blood sample as smoothly as possible. You do not need to hold your urine.
• Relax, Clarewell Clinics is a safe space. Your medical history with us is completely confidential so you can be as open and honest as you wish to be with us.

Apart from the routine Hepatitis B test, there are several other blood tests available to diagnose and monitor people with Hepatitis B. They can be used to distinguish acute and chronic infections.

Hepatitis B surface antibody

This test looks for Hepatitis B surface antibodies. If this test result is positive, it means that you have antibodies in your system to fight and protect you from the virus. These antibodies could be a result of having the Hepatitis B vaccine or successfully recovering from a Hepatitis B infection in the past.

Hepatitis B core antibody

This test looks for Hepatitis B core antibodies. If this test result is positive, it means that you have suffered with a past infection of Hepatitis B. The difference is that core antibodies do not protect you from the virus like the surface antibodies do. This test can only be understood in light of the HBsAg and anti-HB (HBsAb) test. Your healthcare provider will be able to explain your Hepatitis B following all three test results.

Hepatitis B E antigen + antibody

This test helps to determine your infectiousness. The presence of the Hepatitis B E antigen is associated with higher Hepatitis B DNA levels. Thus, revealing how infectious you may be.

Hepatitis B viral load (DNA PCR)

To monitor the effectiveness of Hepatitis B treatment.

Yes.

All test results, and information you share with us, are confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone. We are a private clinic and therefore do not pass your information onto the NHS.

You can receive your Hepatitis B test results by either text or email.

If you have been exposed to Hepatitis B within the last 2 weeks , you may consider having the Hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine will provide you with the antibodies to protect yourself from developing a severe case of Hepatitis B.

It is essential to practise safe sex whilst waiting for your test results. This includes not having multiple partners and using condoms at all times. You should also avoid doing anything where your blood can come in contact with another individual (e.g. sharing needles, toothbrushes, body piercing jewellery).

You should also cover any cuts you may have that could easily reopen and bleed.

You may have tested before the virus has time to show itself in the body, or luckily - you may have not contracted the virus. Your clinician will advise you on whether you should retest at a later date or get vaccinated.

If your Hepatitis B test is positive we will send your sample to the lab for further testing to determine whether the infection is acute or chronic.

It is essential to tell any partners you may have that you have tested positive so that they can get tested and prevent the infection from spreading to other people.

You will receive your results within 30 minutes of leaving your appointment.

No. DNA PCR testing is highly sensitive and accurate and will not confuse one infection with another.

No. The tests for Hepatitis B infection are based upon the presence of serological markers (antigens and antibodies) in plasma or serum. This is found only in blood samples.

Yes, we provide a certificate of testing.

Please let us know at the time that you would like a certificate of testing and bring a proof of ID (passport or driving licence).