hepatitis B surface antigen ( HBsAg )
Last reviewed 01/2018
HBsAg:
- this is the earliest indicator of hepatitis B infection
- generally appears in 27-41 days - may occur as early as 14 days
- appears 7-26 days before biochemical abnormalities occur
- this indicator persists during the acute illness
- generally disappears 1-13 weeks after the onset of biochemical abnormalities
- this is the most reliable serologic marker of hepatitis B virus infection
- this indicator may also be found in chronic infection
- HBsAg is a viral protein detectable in the blood in acute and chronic hepatitis B infection (1)
- hepatitis B vaccination does not result in a positive HBsAg
HBsAg seroconversion
- the development of antibodies against HBsAg is known as HBsAg seroconversion. It signifies clearance of HBsAg and resolution of the chronic infection.
Reference: