Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Confirmation Test
Short Name: HBsAg Confirmation
Also known as: HBsAg Neutralization Test, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Neutralization Assay, HBsAg Confirmation by Neutralization, Hepatitis B Antigen Confirmation Test
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Confirmation Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹761. Uses CMIA (Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay), Neutralization Procedure on Serum samples. Results in Results are typically available on the same day of sample receipt at the laboratory. Digital reports are accessible via the DNA Labs India online portal, and are also sent via email and WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the HBsAg Confirmation Test is to verify a reactive HBsAg screening result and rule out false positives due to interfering substances. The neutralization procedure provides definitive confirmation that the detected antigen is indeed the Hepatitis B surface antigen, ensuring accurate diagnosis before clinical management decisions are made. This test is a critical step in the Hepatitis B diagnostic pathway and is recommended for all individuals with a positive initial HBsAg screening test.
- Test Code
- 725
- CPT Code
- 87341
- ICD Code
- B18.1
- Price
- ₹761
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Results are typically available on the same day of sample receipt at the laboratory. Digital reports are accessible via the DNA Labs India online portal, and are also sent via email and WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- CMIA (Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay), Neutralization Procedure
Sample Collection
Submit the previous HBsAg positive screening report along with the sample. The test request form must clearly indicate that the specimen has been found positive on screening and that a confirmation procedure is needed. No fasting is required for this test.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A blood sample of approximately 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) will be drawn from a vein in your arm (venipuncture) using standard aseptic technique. The sample will be collected in a Serum Separator Tube (SST).
Report Delivery
After blood collection, gentle pressure will be applied to the puncture site with cotton or gauze. A small bandage will be placed. You may resume normal activities immediately. The sample will be processed and shipped refrigerated or frozen to the testing laboratory.
Timeline: Results are typically available on the same day of sample receipt at the laboratory. Digital reports are accessible via the DNA Labs India online portal, and are also sent via email and WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the HBsAg Confirmation Test is to verify a reactive HBsAg screening result and rule out false positives due to interfering substances. The neutralization procedure provides definitive confirmation that the detected antigen is indeed the Hepatitis B surface antigen, ensuring accurate diagnosis before clinical management decisions are made. This test is a critical step in the Hepatitis B diagnostic pathway and is recommended for all individuals with a positive initial HBsAg screening test.
How to Prepare
- Submit a copy of the previous HBsAg positive screening report with the sample
- Indicate on the test request form that the specimen has been found positive and that a confirmation procedure is needed
- The sample will be collected in a Serum Separator Tube (SST)
- Sample volume required: 2 mL serum (1 mL minimum)
- Ship the specimen refrigerated or frozen to maintain sample integrity
- No fasting is required before sample collection
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"A positive HBsAg screening result must always be confirmed using a neutralization procedure before a definitive diagnosis of Hepatitis B infection is made. This confirmation step is critical to avoid false-positive diagnoses that can cause unnecessary anxiety, stigma, and inappropriate treatment. If the HBsAg confirmation test returns positive, further evaluation including HBeAg, anti-HBe, HBV DNA quantitative levels, liver function tests (LFT), and an abdominal ultrasound is essential to determine the phase of infection, degree of liver damage, and need for antiviral therapy. Patients should consult a gastroenterologist or hepatologist for comprehensive management."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received without a previous positive HBsAg screening report
- Test request form not indicating that a confirmation procedure is needed
- Sample collected in an incorrect tube type (not SST)
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 mL serum)
- Hemolyzed, severely lipemic, or contaminated samples
- Sample stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Understanding Your Results
Reactive (Confirmed Positive)
The HBsAg has been confirmed as present in the blood. This indicates an active Hepatitis B virus infection. Further testing including HBeAg, anti-HBe, HBV DNA quantitative, liver function tests (LFT), and imaging studies are recommended to determine whether the infection is acute or chronic, the level of viral replication, and the extent of liver damage. Consult a gastroenterologist or hepatologist for comprehensive evaluation and management.
Non-Reactive (Not Confirmed)
The HBsAg was not confirmed upon neutralization. This suggests that the initial positive screening result was likely a false positive due to interfering substances. No active Hepatitis B infection is indicated by this result. However, if clinical suspicion remains high, repeat testing or additional Hepatitis B markers (anti-HBs, anti-HBc) may be recommended by your physician.
Consult a gastroenterologist or hepatologist immediately if your HBsAg Confirmation Test returns a Reactive result. Timely medical consultation is essential for further evaluation, determining the phase of infection, assessing liver health, and initiating treatment if necessary. Even if the result is Non-Reactive but you have ongoing risk factors or symptoms, discuss additional testing with your doctor.
Limitations
- ⚠This test confirms or excludes the presence of HBsAg only; it does not determine the stage or phase of Hepatitis B infection
- ⚠A confirmed positive result does not distinguish between acute and chronic Hepatitis B infection
- ⚠Results should be interpreted in conjunction with other Hepatitis B markers (anti-HBc, HBeAg, HBV DNA) and liver function tests
- ⚠The test is not intended for screening purposes; it is designed to confirm an already-positive screening result
- ⚠A negative confirmation result in the context of a positive screen may indicate a false-positive initial result
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or soreness at the blood draw site
- ●Slight risk of infection at the puncture site (very rare with standard aseptic technique)
- ●Fainting or lightheadedness in individuals sensitive to blood draws
Interfering Factors
- ●Hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric serum samples may produce unreliable results
- ●Presence of heterophilic antibodies or human anti-animal antibodies can interfere with immunoassay results
- ●Recent Hepatitis B vaccination within the last 30 days may occasionally affect antigen detection
- ●Specimen stored improperly or beyond the recommended stability period may yield inaccurate results
- ●Very early acute infection with extremely low antigen levels may be below the detection threshold
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Confirmation Test | HBsAg Screening Test | Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc, Total) | Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) Test | HBV DNA Quantitative (Viral Load) Test | Liver Function Test (LFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Confirmation Test | The screening test is the initial qualitative test to detect HBsAg in blood. If reactive, the confirmation test (neutralization) must be performed to rule out false positives before a diagnosis is established. | Anti-HBc detects antibodies against the core protein of HBV and indicates past or current infection. It is used alongside HBsAg to differentiate between acute, chronic, and resolved Hepatitis B infections. | HBeAg indicates active viral replication and high infectivity. It is ordered after HBsAg is confirmed positive to assess the phase and severity of chronic Hepatitis B infection. | HBV DNA quantification measures the amount of virus in the blood. It is used after HBsAg confirmation to monitor viral load, assess treatment response, and guide antiviral therapy decisions. | LFT measures liver enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin, and albumin to assess liver damage. It is recommended alongside Hepatitis B markers to evaluate the impact of HBV infection on liver health. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HBsAg Confirmation Test?
Why do I need a confirmation test if I already tested positive for HBsAg?
How is the HBsAg Confirmation Test performed?
What type of sample is required for this test?
Do I need to fast before the HBsAg Confirmation Test?
How much does the HBsAg Confirmation Test cost at DNA Labs India?
How long does it take to get the HBsAg Confirmation Test results?
What does a positive (Reactive) HBsAg Confirmation result mean?
What does a negative (Non-Reactive) HBsAg Confirmation result mean?
Is home sample collection available for the HBsAg Confirmation Test?
Do I need a doctor's prescription to take the HBsAg Confirmation Test?
What should I do if my HBsAg Confirmation Test result is positive?
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