What does a positive Hep B Sur AG indicate?

A positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (Hep B Sur AG) result is an indicator of an active Hepatitis B infection. This antigen is a part of the Hepatitis B virus and is found in the blood during an ongoing infection. When a person's body is currently infected with the Hepatitis B virus, the presence of this antigen signifies that the virus is replicating and that the infection is active.

Identifying an active infection is crucial as it helps guide treatment decisions and informs public health measures, as individuals who test positive for Hep B Sur AG may be contagious and can transmit the virus to others. Monitoring the status of Hepatitis B infections can also help in managing potential complications or assessing the need for antiviral therapy.