ANTI HEP B ANTIGEN TOTAL

Hepatitis B, a viral infection triggering liver inflammation, presents varied outcomes detected through testing: indicating ongoing infection, past exposure to HBV, or immunity to the virus. HBV spreads primarily via body fluid contact, notably blood-to-blood transmission, although other fluids can also transmit the virus. Geographically varying exposures often occur during childbirth, infancy, sharing intravenous needles, or unprotected sexual contact. The infection’s manifestation includes acute or chronic phases. Acute hepatitis B tends to be transient, with most individuals naturally recovering within weeks to six months without specific treatment. However, 5 to 10% of acute cases evolve into chronic hepatitis B, an enduring condition lasting over six months. Chronic infection carries a heightened risk of severe liver damage, failure, and an increased susceptibility to liver cancer. Doctors frequently request hepatitis B testing for multiple purposes, such as: