HBSAG

Viral hepatitis is a systemic disease primarily involving the liver. Most cases of acute viral hepatitis are caused by Hepatitis A virus, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or Hepatitis C virus. The complex antigen found on the surface of HBV is called HBsAg. Previous designations included the Australia or Au antigen. HBsAg in serum or plasma indicates an active Hepatitis B infection, either acute or chronic. In a typical Hepatitis B infection, HBsAg will be detected 2 to 4 weeks before the ALT level becomes abnormal and 3 to 5 weeks before symptoms of jaundice develop. HBsAg has four principal subtypes: ADW, ayw, ADR and ayr. Because of antigenic heterogeneity of the determinant, there are ten major serotypes of the Hepatitis B virus. The HBsAg One Step Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Test Device (Serum/Plasma) is a rapid test to detect the presence of HBsAg in serum or plasma specimens. The test utilizes a combination of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to selectively detect elevated levels of HBsAg in serum or plasma.