Preparation: Fasting is generally not required

Procedure: A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm.

Description:

The HBsAg ELISA test is used to detect the presence of the hepatitis B surface antigen in the blood, indicating a current infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This test is often one of the first steps in diagnosing hepatitis B and can identify acute or chronic HBV infections. The ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method is a highly sensitive and specific technique used for this purpose.