28/10/2025
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test
1. Objective:
The objective of this test was to detect the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the patient’s serum or plasma, which indicated an active Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
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2. Principle:
The principle of the HBsAg test was based on an immunochromatographic or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique.
In ELISA, the wells were coated with antibodies specific to HBsAg. When the patient’s serum was added, any HBsAg present bound to these antibodies. A secondary enzyme-labeled antibody was then added to form an antigen–antibody–enzyme complex. When substrate was added, a color change occurred, indicating a positive result.
In rapid card tests, HBsAg in the sample bound to colored antibodies on the test strip, producing a visible line.
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3. Materials:
• Patient’s serum or plasma sample
• HBsAg test kit (ELISA plate or rapid test device)
• Positive and negative control sera
• Wash buffer (for ELISA)
• Enzyme-conjugated antibody reagent
• Substrate solution (e.g., TMB)
• Stop solution (e.g., 1N H₂SO₄)
• Micropipettes and tips
• Timer
• ELISA reader or visual observation setup
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4. Procedure (Microscopic / ELISA Observation):
1. The test device or ELISA wells were labeled for patient and control samples.
2. Patient’s serum was added to the test well or sample port.
3. The device or plate was incubated at room temperature to allow antigen–antibody binding.
4. For ELISA, the wells were washed to remove unbound material.
5. Enzyme-linked antibody conjugate was added and incubated again.
6. Substrate solution was added to produce a color reaction.
7. The reaction was stopped with stop solution, and absorbance was read at 450 nm using an ELISA reader.
8. In rapid card tests, results were read visually within 15–20 minutes by observing colored lines.
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5. Result:
• Positive: A visible color change in ELISA or two colored lines (test and control) on the rapid device indicated the presence of HBsAg — suggesting infection with Hepatitis B virus.
• Negative: No color change or only one control line indicated the absence of HBsAg.
• Invalid: Absence of control line required retesting with a new device.
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6. Uses:
• It was used for diagnosis of acute or chronic Hepatitis B infection.
• Helped in screening blood donors to prevent HBV transmission.
• Used to monitor treatment response and disease progression in infected patients.
• Assisted in epidemiological studies of Hepatitis B prevalence.
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7. Consultation:
Patients showing a positive HBsAg result were advised to consult a hepatologist or physician for further evaluation. Confirmatory tests like HBV DNA PCR, HBeAg, and Liver Function Tests (LFT) were recommended to assess viral activity and liver damage. Vaccination and counseling were advised for close contacts and family members.