Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

Having antibodies to this component part of the Hepatitis B virus will inform you whether or not you have been infected by the Hepatitis B virus, at some point in your life, up to about 3-4 weeks prior to submitting the sample.

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a vaccine-preventable infection with significant risk of future deterioration of health for people who develop chronic hepatitis. HBV is a transmitted virus which can be acquired by blood or blood products contracted via contaminated needles, tattooing or body piercing. It can also be transmitted by sexual contact between an infected and non immune partner.

Please be aware that if contact has been within the past 3-4 weeks, the antibodies to HBV may not have reached a detectable level - in which case repeat testing a further 4 weeks later should be considered, especially if the risk of having acquired one of these infections is considered to be high.

This test is NOT available as a finger prick BUT is available as a vacutainer sample collection option. You can make your own arrangement for blood collection, or choose to visit a Circle Hospital or Superdrug store, or to opt for a Nurse Home Visit. Select option at checkout.