The Autobio HBsAg assay is designed for the qualitative determination of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) concentration in human serum or human plasma.
Hepatitits B is a disease caused by viral infection. There are many routes of infection such as improper needle puncture, blood transfusion or even by taking contaminated food or water.
Almost one in every ten adults, who have been infected by hepatitis B Virus (HBV), develops some form of chronic liver disease and becomes a long-term carrier of HBV. Hepatitis B has become a significant problem for public health management. Screening for hepatitis B is therefore urgently needed.
The components of the virus (antigens), the host responses (antibodies) and the so-called immunologic markers have often been used as diagnostic tools.
There are six immunologic markers of HBV: HBsAg, HBcAg, HBeAg and their respective antibodies. The HBsAg however is the first marker appearing in serum. The presence of HBsAg indicates recent infection and if it persists for more than 6 months the patient may become a chronic carrier.
