Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test
Screen for Hepatitis B Infection from Home

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test is used to detect the presence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. Early detection is important for protecting your health and preventing transmission to others.

With the Repose Healthcare Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test, you can conveniently collect a blood sample at home and receive accurate laboratory results from an accredited UK laboratory.

What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus attacks the liver and can cause inflammation, liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Many people infected with Hepatitis B have no symptoms, particularly during the early stages of infection. As a result, testing is often the only way to know whether you have been exposed to the virus.

What Does This Test Measure?
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)

HBsAg is a protein found on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus. The presence of HBsAg in the blood usually indicates an active Hepatitis B infection.

A positive result may indicate:

Acute Hepatitis B infection
Chronic Hepatitis B infection
Recent exposure to the Hepatitis B virus

Further testing may be recommended to determine the stage of infection and assess liver health.

How Is Hepatitis B Transmitted?

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids.

Transmission can occur through:

Unprotected sexual contact
Sharing needles or injecting equipment
Exposure to contaminated blood
Needlestick injuries
Tattooing or piercing with unsterile equipment
Mother-to-baby transmission during childbirth
Sharing personal items contaminated with blood, such as razors or toothbrushes

Hepatitis B is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food, or coughing.

Why Should I Take a Hepatitis B Test?

Testing can help identify an infection before symptoms develop and allow appropriate medical follow-up.

You may wish to test if:

You have had unprotected sex
You have a new or multiple sexual partners
You have shared needles or injecting equipment
You have been exposed to blood or body fluids
You are a healthcare worker
You are planning a pregnancy
You have travelled to regions where Hepatitis B is common
You have symptoms suggestive of liver disease
Symptoms of Hepatitis B

Many people experience no symptoms, particularly in the early stages.

When symptoms occur, they may include:

Fatigue
Fever
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Joint pain
Dark urine
Pale stools
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Because symptoms may be absent, screening is recommended for individuals at increased risk.

Who Should Consider This Test?

This test may be suitable for:

Sexually active adults
Individuals concerned about STI exposure
Healthcare workers
People with known exposure to Hepatitis B
Individuals with abnormal liver function tests
Pregnant women
People travelling to high-prevalence regions
Individuals seeking routine sexual health screening
Why Is Early Detection Important?

Early identification of Hepatitis B infection allows:

Appropriate medical monitoring
Assessment of liver health
Prevention of transmission to others
Timely referral for treatment where necessary
Monitoring for chronic infection complications

Many people with chronic Hepatitis B can live healthy lives with appropriate medical management.

Sample Type
Finger-prick blood sample
Simple home collection
Prepaid return envelope included
Laboratory Analysis

Your sample is analysed by an accredited UK laboratory using validated testing methods to ensure accurate and reliable detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen.

Understanding Your Results
Negative Result

A negative result suggests that Hepatitis B Surface Antigen was not detected at the time of testing.

However, recent exposure may not always be detected immediately. If exposure occurred recently, repeat testing may be recommended after the appropriate window period.

Positive Result

A positive result indicates that Hepatitis B Surface Antigen has been detected and may suggest an active Hepatitis B infection.

Further confirmatory testing and clinical assessment may be recommended.

Benefits of the Repose Healthcare Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test

✓ Convenient home sample collection

✓ Fast and confidential results

✓ UK accredited laboratory testing

✓ Supports sexual health screening

✓ No clinic appointment required

✓ Reliable Hepatitis B infection screening

✓ Suitable for routine health monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions
What is HBsAg?

HBsAg stands for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, a protein found on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus. Its presence usually indicates an active infection.

Can Hepatitis B be cured?

Acute Hepatitis B often resolves naturally. Chronic Hepatitis B may require ongoing monitoring and treatment to reduce the risk of liver complications.

How soon after exposure can Hepatitis B be detected?

HBsAg typically becomes detectable several weeks after infection. Testing too early after exposure may produce a negative result despite infection.

Is Hepatitis B sexually transmitted?

Yes. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.

Should I get vaccinated against Hepatitis B?

Vaccination is highly effective at preventing Hepatitis B infection and is recommended for many individuals, particularly those at increased risk of exposure.

Order Your Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test Today

Take control of your health with the Repose Healthcare Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test. Whether you are seeking reassurance following a potential exposure, completing a routine sexual health screen, or monitoring your wellbeing, our home testing kit provides professional laboratory analysis and confidential results you can trust.