Quantitative HBsAG testing

KOL Interview

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In this expert video, Dr. Robert Gish—renowned hepatologist and Medical Director of the Hepatitis B Foundation—discusses the critical role of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing in the management and long-term monitoring of chronic hepatitis B. With over a decade of experience using quantitative HBsAg in clinical practice, Dr. Gish explains how this highly sensitive test complements HBV DNA and e-antigen testing to assess disease phase, track treatment response, and evaluate a patient's candidacy for functional cure. He breaks down how low surface antigen levels can signal improved outcomes, including reduced liver cancer risk and lower infectivity, and how this data supports decision-making around nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) therapy continuation or cessation. Dr. Gish also discusses emerging therapies, including interferon combinations, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), capsid assembly modulators (CPAMs), and therapeutic vaccines—highlighting the future potential of viral silencing strategies aimed at complete hepatitis B control. For clinicians and researchers, this session underscores why quantitative HBsAg is a foundational biomarker for baseline assessment, longitudinal follow-up, and treatment strategy optimization in chronic HBV.