Description
Hepatitis B virus is a circular, partially double-stranded DNA virus of the Hepadnaviridae family which is unrelated to the viruses causing Hepatitis A or Hepatitis C. Hepatitis B virus is transmitted by exposure to infected bodily fluids during sexual activity, sharing intravenous drug injection equipment, or exposure to infected maternal blood at birth. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Reflex Confirmation test indicates chronic infection and is useful in the differential diagnosis of hepatitis.
Serologic markers specific for the Hepatitis B virus are used to diagnose Hepatitis B virus infection. The markers identify the stage of the infection (past, present or chronic) and those who are at highest risk for complications. The presence of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) indicates either recovery and immunity in a previously infected person, or successful immunization by vaccination. Surface antigen usually appears in the serum after an incubation period of 1 to 6 months following exposure to Hepatitis B virus and peaks shortly after onset of symptoms. It typically disappears within 1 to 3 months. Persistence of Hepatitis B surface antigen for greater than 6 months is a prognostic indicator of chronic Hepatitis B infection.
