Hepatitis B Testing Singapore | HIV PEP
Hepatitis B Testing in Singapore: Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that affects the liver. It is usually a short-term infection, but may persist and cause serious health problems.
Diagnosis of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can be diagnosed by a simple blood test for a protein called hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). If you test positive for HBsAg, your doctor may order other tests to estimate the severity of hepatitis B infection and associated liver damage.
To assess liver function, your doctor may order serum liver function tests. These tests measure the blood levels of certain chemicals, such as enzymes and bilirubin, which are produced by the liver. Abnormal liver function test results indicate liver damage and potential cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
A variety of diagnostic methods can be used to detect the viral components (antigens) of the hepatitis B virus in the blood or body tissue. The amount of antigen present in the sample directly correlates with the replication of the virus in your body, and with the severity of the disease. Additional tests may be used to detect the body’s immune reaction (production of antibodies) against the viral infection. These tests measure the levels of specific antibodies present in the body. The antibody test is also used to evaluate the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine, to ensure adequate protection against the disease.
Additionally, if liver disease or liver cancer is suspected, your doctor may ask for an ultrasound scan and biopsy of the liver. The biopsy test involves removing a small piece of liver tissue for microscopic analysis.