Kenya Medical Laboratory Tests

Hepatitis B Ag Test in Kenya

Brief Description

The test is used to detect presence of surface antigen for Hepatitis B virus in blood"," for patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B infections. Screening of pregnant women is recommended for neonate risk assessment.

Synonyms

HBsAg"," HBV"," Hepatitis-associated Antigen"," Qualitative HBV surface antigen

Patient Preparation

Patients taking biotin supplement are advised to abstain at least 72 hours to sample collection for more precise results.

Sample Type

Serum or plasma

Sample volume

3 mL (minimum 1.5 mL)

Sample collection Container

Red-top tube"," gel-barrier tube (preferred)"," or lavender-top (EDTA) tube

Sample collection instructions

If sample is not collected in gel-barrier tube"," separated plasma or serum should be transferred to a plastic transport tube.

Sample storage

stable at room temperature and refrigiration for two weeks.

Reference range

Negative

Results Turnaround

1-2 Days after receipt of samples

Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators

Some people especially children may be asymptomatic. In acute infections"," jaundice"," dark urine"," extreme fatigue"," nausea"," vomiting and abdominal pain may be observed for several weeks"," while in some patients"," may experience liver failure and some cancer which can lead to death.