Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

Infection DiagnosticsImmunity & InflammationBlood

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein found on the surface of the hepatitis B virus. HBsAg screening is a blood test that shows whether the hepatitis B virus is present.

Why it matters: A positive or reactive confirmatory result means the hepatitis B virus is present, in someone who has not recently been vaccinated. A negative result means there is no active hepatitis B infection. A hepatitis B vaccine given in the past few weeks makes a positive result likely, and the test is then repeated a few weeks later.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, related conditions

Associated Conditions
Hepatitis B, where a positive confirmatory result means the virus is present and the person is contagious, provided they were not recently vaccinated
Related Markers
ALTASTGGTBilirubin (Total)Anti-HCV Antibody
Common questions

What is Hepatitis B Surface Antigen?

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a protein found on the surface of the hepatitis B virus. HBsAg screening is a blood test that shows whether the hepatitis B virus is present.

What might a high or low Hepatitis B Surface Antigen mean?

A positive or reactive confirmatory result means the hepatitis B virus is present, in someone who has not recently been vaccinated. A negative result means there is no active hepatitis B infection. A hepatitis B vaccine given in the past few weeks makes a positive result likely, and the test is then repeated a few weeks later.

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