Hepatitis B Screening Test in Singapore
Screen Today, Look After Your Liver
Conveniently located in Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Jurong East & Novena
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim, Board-Accredited Family Physician
Board-Accredited Family Physician | MBChB, MMed (FM)
MBChB, MMed (FM) | Last updated:
What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that can cause both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) illness. In some people, it can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer.
The infection is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Some people clear the virus naturally, while others carry it for life and need ongoing medical monitoring.
Early screening and prompt treatment can help lower the risk of serious liver damage.
Hepatitis B Causes and Transmission
Hepatitis B spreads through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids such as semen and vaginal secretions. Transmission can occur in several ways such as:
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person
- Sharing needles or syringes during drug use
- From an infected mother to her baby during childbirth
The virus is not spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing, sharing food or drinks, or using the same utensils.
What Are Symptoms of Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B symptoms vary widely between individuals, with some showing no signs of infection in the early stages while others develop symptoms associated with liver inflammation. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark-coloured urine
- Pale or light-coloured stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
In chronic cases, the virus can silently damage the liver over time, often going unnoticed until complications arise.
Long-Term Complications of Hepatitis B
Chronic hepatitis B can result in progressive liver damage over time, especially if the
infection goes undetected or untreated. These complications often develop silently and may only become
apparent when the liver is significantly impaired.
Common long-term complications include:
- Liver Cirrhosis — A condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, affecting liver function and increasing the risk of further complications.
- Liver Failure — A serious stage where the liver can no longer perform vital functions, potentially requiring a transplant.
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma — A form of primary liver cancer that is more likely to develop in individuals with long-standing hepatitis B infection.
Unsure whether you are protected against hepatitis B? A blood test can show your infection status and whether you have immunity. Book a screening with our doctors.
WhatsApp UsHow Is Hepatitis B Tested and Diagnosed?
Hepatitis B is diagnosed through specific blood tests
that evaluate infection status, whether the body has developed immunity, and how active the
virus is.
Hepatitis B may not show on a blood test in the first few weeks after exposure, during what is known as the window period.
In cases of chronic hepatitis B, liver damage may also be assessed through
additional blood tests or imaging.
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) | Detects the presence of HBV in the blood, indicating an ongoing infection. |
| Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) and Hepatitis B e Antibody (HBeAb) | Helps indicate whether the virus is replicating and how infectious the person may be. HBeAg suggests high viral activity, while HBeAb indicates the immune system is beginning to suppress the virus. |
| HBV DNA Test | Measures the amount of viral DNA in the blood to determine the severity of infection and monitor response to antiviral treatment. |
| Liver Function Tests (LFTs) | Analyses liver enzyme levels (e.g., alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) to detect liver inflammation or damage. Elevated levels suggest ongoing liver injury. |
| Imaging Tests | Includes liver ultrasound, elastography, or MRI to assess liver stiffness, detect scarring (fibrosis), and monitor disease progression. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed for a more detailed evaluation. |
How Long Does a Hepatitis B Test Take?
Blood collection for hepatitis B testing typically takes less than 30 minutes during
off-peak periods. To avoid extended waiting, get in touch with us for the best time slot.
Results are usually available within 2 to 4 working days. You will be informed as soon as
they’re ready.
Is Hepatitis B Curable?
Acute hepatitis B is often short-term and may be cleared naturally by the body without the need for medical treatment, especially in otherwise healthy individuals. However, if the virus remains in the body for more than six months, it is considered chronic and currently has no complete cure.
Hepatitis B Treatment and Prevention
For individuals with chronic hepatitis B, treatment typically focuses on managing the infection and preventing liver damage through long-term care, often involving the use of antiviral medication.
- Antiviral medications help suppress the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage.
- Regular medical monitoring is important to track disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding alcohol and maintaining a healthy diet, can support liver health and reduce further strain on the liver.
The most effective way to prevent hepatitis B is through vaccination, which provides
long-lasting protection.
Other preventive measures include using protection during sex, avoiding the
sharing of needles, razors, or toothbrushes, and ensuring that sterile equipment is used for tattoos,
piercings, and medical procedures.
How Much Do Hepatitis B Tests Cost?
At Singapore Women's Clinic, we offer confidential and prompt testing for hepatitis B and other STIs. Our pricing is as follows:
| Test / Vaccination | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation | From $49.05 |
| Hepatitis Bs Antibody (HBsAb) / Antigen (HBsAg) Blood Test | $13.08 |
| Hepatitis B Core Total Antibody / IgM Antibody Blood Test | $43.60 |
| Hepatitis Be Antibody (HBeAb) / Antigen (HBeAg) Blood Test | $43.60 |
| Blood Test Profiles | |
|
HEP 1 Profile
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb)
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb)
|
$21.80 |
|
HEP 5 Profile
HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, Gamma GT (GGT)
HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, Gamma GT (GGT)
|
$87.20 |
|
Liver Function Test A
Total Bilirubin, ALP, ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, Gamma GT
Total Bilirubin, ALP, ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, Gamma GT
|
$30.52 |
|
Liver Function Test B
Total Bilirubin, ALP, ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, Gamma GT, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, A/G Ratio
Total Bilirubin, ALP, ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, Gamma GT, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, A/G Ratio
|
$34.88 |
|
Liver Function Test C
Total Bilirubin, ALP, ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, Gamma GT, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, A/G Ratio, LDH, HBsAg & Antibody, Hepatitis A Total IgG, AFP
Total Bilirubin, ALP, ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, Gamma GT, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, A/G Ratio, LDH, HBsAg & Antibody, Hepatitis A Total IgG, AFP
|
$91.56 |
| STD Screening Packages | |
|
Safe Screen 1 (3 tests) – Blood Test
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B |
$58 |
|
Safe Screen 2 (4 tests) – Blood Test
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
|
$98 |
|
Safe Screen 3 (6 tests) – Blood Test
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2
|
$148 |
|
Essential (8 tests) – Blood + Swab Test
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia PCR, Gonorrhoea PCR
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia PCR, Gonorrhoea PCR
|
$288 |
|
Complete Female STD Screen (15 tests) – Blood + Swab Test
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Monilia / Candida, Gardnerella Vaginosis
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Monilia / Candida, Gardnerella Vaginosis
|
$478 |
|
Enhanced Genital Ulcer Testing (18 tests) – Blood + Swab Test
Blood: HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C Ulcer PCR Swab: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus Genital Swab: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum
Blood: HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
Ulcer PCR Swab: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus Genital Swab: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum |
$538 |
| Vaccination | |
| Engerix-B® (Hepatitis B) | $54.50 / dose |
| Twinrix® (Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B) | $119.90 / dose |
| Havrix® (Hepatitis A) | $98.10 / dose |
*All prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Payment Options We Accept
Why Choose Our Sexual Health Services?
Same-Day Testing Available
We offer same-day appointments for STD screening, with female doctors available.
Discreet & MOH-Registered
As a licensed medical clinic, we provide confidential care in a respectful environment.
Non-Judgemental Care
You can speak openly about your sexual health with our doctors, without fear or assumptions about your lifestyle or history.
