What does a hepatitis B surface antigen test detect in maternal blood?

What does a hepatitis B surface antigen test detect in maternal blood?

• A. Antibodies to hepatitis B
• B. Hepatitis C infection
• C. Hepatitis A antibodies
• D. Hepatitis B surface antigen

Answer: (D)

A hepatitis B surface antigen test detects the hepatitis B surface antigen in blood, which indicates an active hepatitis B infection. This marker shows that the virus is present and the person is potentially infectious. It’s different from tests that look for antibodies; antibodies to hepatitis B reflect past exposure or immunity (from recovery or vaccination), not an active infection. The other options refer to different viruses or different markers (antibodies to hepatitis B, or infections with hepatitis C or hepatitis A). In a pregnant person, a positive surface antigen means there’s a risk of mother-to-child transmission, which is why newborns typically receive hepatitis B vaccination at birth and may also receive hepatitis B immune globulin for protection.

A hepatitis B surface antigen test detects the hepatitis B surface antigen in blood, which indicates an active hepatitis B infection. This marker shows that the virus is present and the person is potentially infectious. It’s different from tests that look for antibodies; antibodies to hepatitis B reflect past exposure or immunity (from recovery or vaccination), not an active infection. The other options refer to different viruses or different markers (antibodies to hepatitis B, or infections with hepatitis C or hepatitis A). In a pregnant person, a positive surface antigen means there’s a risk of mother-to-child transmission, which is why newborns typically receive hepatitis B vaccination at birth and may also receive hepatitis B immune globulin for protection.