Anti HBeAg Total Test

Anti HBeAg test is ordered for patients with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a liver disease. Your doctor is likely to suggest this test to monitor disease progression in liver. This test is necessary to determine whether the infection is active or not, and at what stage the disease currently is. Additionally, this test is also done to monitor the response of patients to treatment. It is carried out on a blood sample and is often combined with other tests such as HBeAg. Its results are interpreted based on those obtained from other tests.

This test requires your blood sample. There is no special preparation needed for this test. You can talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about the need, risks or procedure of the test. There is no specific diet to follow before the test. Try to remain calm and do not get anxious while waiting for results. Whatever the result may be, your doctor will make sure you are treated well.

If the test is positive for anti-HBeAg, and if another test for HBeAg is also positive, then it indicates the presence of active infection. On the other hand, if the anti-HBeAg test is positive and the patient tests negative for HBeAg, it indicates that the virus is inactive and the infection is low. This test is not only performed to investigate disease progression and monitor treatment outcomes, but also to screen for hepatitis B infection in populations who might be at risk. Blood donors are also required to undergo this test.

For this test, blood will be withdrawn from your upper arm. An elastic band will be wrapped around it to stop blood flow and to make veins visible. The site will be cleaned and a needle will be inserted. A tube will be attached to the needle to hold the withdrawn blood. Once enough sample is obtained, the needle and elastic band will be removed. The needle site will be rubbed with cotton. Applying pressure on this site will help stop blood flow.