Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)

The presence of HBsAg indicates that the person is infectious, except when it might be transiently positive within 30 days after a dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB). The body normally produces antibodies to HBsAg as part of the normal immune response to infection.

The test results are interpreted as positive, negative, or indeterminate. A result of less than 5 mIU/mL is typically considered negative, while a result of more than 12 mIU/mL suggests protective immunity

Is hepatitis B positive serious?

How serious is chronic (long-term) hepatitis B? Chronic hepatitis B can develop into a serious disease resulting in long-term health problems, including liver damage, liver failure, liver cancer, and even death.

What are the symptoms of HBsAg?

Not all people newly infected with HBV have symptoms, but for those that do, symptoms can include fatigue, poor appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and jaundice. For many people, hepatitis B is a short-term illness. Sometimes, your body can't get rid of the infection. If so, you have chronic (or long-term) hepatitis B. You may have few - or even no - symptoms at all.