Hepatitis B Test Prices and Details in Nigeria

Hepatitis B Test Prices and Details in Nigeria

Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with an estimated prevalence of 8.1% among adults (2018 Nigeria HIV-AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey). Early detection through testing is critical for managing this liver infection, which can lead to chronic disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer if untreated. This article provides a comprehensive overview of hepatitis B test prices, detailed testing information, and the top 15 hospitals and clinics in Nigeria offering reliable testing as of June 2025, based on current market data and reputable sources.

Price List of Hepatitis B Tests in Nigeria

The cost of hepatitis B tests in Nigeria varies depending on the test type, facility (public or private), location, and additional services like express results or home sample collection. Below is a price list for common hepatitis B tests, sourced from diagnostic centers, hospitals, and online platforms:

  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Screening Test: ₦1,000 – ₦5,000
  • Hepatitis B Profile/Panel (HBsAg, Anti-HBc, Anti-HBs, HBeAg, Anti-HBe): ₦10,000 – ₦25,000
  • Hepatitis B Viral Load (HBV DNA) Test: ₦35,000 – ₦100,000
  • Hepatitis B Core IgM Antibody (Anti-HBc IgM): ₦5,000 – ₦15,000
  • Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg): ₦5,000 – ₦12,000
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBs): ₦5,000 – ₦12,000
  • Liver Function Tests (LFTs, e.g., ALT, AST): ₦5,000 – ₦15,000
  • Abdominal Ultrasound (for liver assessment): ₦10,000 – ₦30,000
  • Express Results (24–48 hours, where available): Additional ₦5,000 – ₦20,000
  • Home Sample Collection (Lagos, Abuja): Additional ₦5,000 – ₦15,000

Note: Prices are lower in public facilities like the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, where the HBV viral load test costs around ₦35,000. Private labs in urban areas like Lagos and Abuja may charge higher due to advanced equipment and operational costs. A 2024 X post by @aproko_doctor advertised a hepatitis B screening test for ₦10,000 as part of a multi-test package, reflecting competitive pricing during promotions. Always verify costs with providers, as economic factors may cause fluctuations.

Full Details of Hepatitis B Tests

Hepatitis B tests detect the presence of the virus, assess infection status (acute or chronic), monitor disease progression, and evaluate immunity or treatment efficacy. Tests are typically blood-based, with results available in 10 minutes for rapid screenings or 24–48 hours for advanced tests like viral load. Below are the types, purposes, and features of hepatitis B tests available in Nigeria.

Types of Hepatitis B Tests

  1. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Screening:
    • Purpose: Detects the presence of HBV, indicating active infection (acute or chronic).
    • Procedure: Rapid blood test using a finger prick or venous sample. Results in 10–30 minutes.
    • Features: Affordable, widely available, used for initial screening. A positive result requires further testing.
    • Price: ₦1,000–₦5,000.
  2. Hepatitis B Profile/Panel:
    • Purpose: Comprehensive testing for multiple HBV markers (HBsAg, Anti-HBc, Anti-HBs, HBeAg, Anti-HBe) to determine infection status, immunity, or chronicity.
    • Procedure: Blood sample analyzed in a lab, results in 1–3 days.
    • Features: Assesses active infection, past exposure, or immunity from vaccination. Essential for detailed diagnosis.
    • Price: ₦10,000–₦25,000.
  3. Hepatitis B Viral Load (HBV DNA) Test:
    • Purpose: Measures the amount of HBV in the blood to monitor treatment response and disease progression.
    • Procedure: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on a venous blood sample, results in 24–48 hours.
    • Features: Most expensive but critical for chronic HBV management. Requires specialized labs.
    • Price: ₦35,000–₦100,000.
  4. Hepatitis B Core IgM Antibody (Anti-HBc IgM):
    • Purpose: Detects recent HBV infection (within 6 months).
    • Procedure: Blood test, results in 1–3 days.
    • Features: Helps distinguish acute from chronic infection.
    • Price: ₦5,000–₦15,000.
  5. Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg):
    • Purpose: Indicates active viral replication and high contagiousness.
    • Procedure: Blood test, results in 1–3 days.
    • Features: Used to assess infectivity and treatment needs.
    • Price: ₦5,000–₦12,000.
  6. Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBs):
    • Purpose: Confirms immunity from vaccination or resolved infection.
    • Procedure: Blood test, results in 1–3 days.
    • Features: Essential for checking vaccine efficacy or recovery.
    • Price: ₦5,000–₦12,000.
  7. Liver Function Tests (LFTs):
    • Purpose: Measures liver enzymes (ALT, AST) to assess liver damage.
    • Procedure: Blood test, results in 1–2 days.
    • Features: Often paired with HBV tests to monitor liver health.
    • Price: ₦5,000–₦15,000.
  8. Abdominal Ultrasound:
    • Purpose: Visualizes liver for signs of cirrhosis or cancer.
    • Procedure: Non-invasive imaging, results immediate or same day.
    • Features: Recommended for chronic HBV patients to monitor liver damage.
    • Price: ₦10,000–₦30,000.

Key Features

  • Accuracy: Tests like HBsAg and HBV DNA offer 99.5%–99.9% accuracy when conducted in accredited labs.
  • Sample Collection: Most tests use venous blood; rapid HBsAg tests may use finger-prick samples.
  • Turnaround Time: Rapid tests provide results in 10–30 minutes; viral load and profile tests take 1–3 days.
  • Confidentiality: Reputable labs ensure privacy, critical for sensitive diagnoses.
  • Accessibility: HBsAg screening is widely available; viral load tests are limited to specialized labs like NIMR or Pathcare.

Key Benefits

  • Early Detection: Identifies HBV before symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain appear, enabling timely treatment.
  • Prevention: Positive results prompt precautions to prevent transmission via blood, semen, or mother-to-child routes.
  • Treatment Guidance: Viral load and profile tests guide antiviral therapy (e.g., tenofovir, lamivudine) and monitor efficacy.
  • Public Health Impact: Screening reduces Nigeria’s HBV burden, estimated at 20 million cases, by promoting early intervention.
  • Immunity Confirmation: Anti-HBs tests verify vaccine protection, crucial for high-risk groups like healthcare workers.

Considerations

  • Cost: Viral load tests are expensive (up to ₦100,000), and most health insurance plans in Nigeria do not cover HBV testing.
  • Limited Access: Advanced tests like HBV DNA are only available in major cities (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt).
  • Counterfeit Risks: Unaccredited labs may provide inaccurate results; choose ISO-accredited facilities.
  • Follow-Up: Positive HBsAg results require further testing (e.g., viral load, LFTs) to confirm chronicity and liver damage.
  • Stigma: HBV diagnosis may carry social stigma, necessitating counseling and support.

Customer Feedback

X posts indicate high awareness of HBV testing, with users praising affordable screenings (e.g., ₦10,000 for multi-test packages) but noting high costs for viral load tests. A 2024 post by @aproko_doctor emphasized accessible screening, while others warn of unreliable results from unaccredited labs. Patients value quick results but stress the importance of consulting gastroenterologists for accurate interpretation.

Top 15 Best Hospitals and Clinics for Hepatitis B Testing in Nigeria

Below is a list of 15 reputable hospitals and clinics in Nigeria offering reliable hepatitis B testing, selected based on accreditation, expertise, and availability of advanced diagnostics. These facilities are ISO-accredited or recognized for quality services, ensuring accurate results.

  1. Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos:
    • Services: HBsAg, HBV DNA (₦35,000), Hepatitis B Profile, LFTs.
    • Features: Government research institute, affordable pricing, advanced PCR testing.
    • Address: 6 Edmund Crescent, Yaba, Lagos.
    • Contact: +234 803 700 2465.
    • Price Range: ₦1,000 (HBsAg) – ₦35,000 (HBV DNA).
  2. Pathcare Nigeria (Synlab), Lagos and Abuja:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Panel, HBV DNA, LFTs, Ultrasound.
    • Features: ISO 15189-accredited, nationwide network, home collection in Lagos/Abuja.
    • Address: Plot 1397B Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos; multiple locations.
    • Contact: +234 810 460 7953, +234 700 079 6522.
    • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦100,000.
  3. Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Profile, HBV DNA, LFTs, Ultrasound.
    • Features: Public hospital with molecular diagnostics lab, affordable for basic tests.
    • Address: Idi-Araba, Surulere, Lagos.
    • Contact: +234 807 059 1395.
    • Price Range: ₦1,000–₦50,000.
  4. Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Profile, LFTs, HBV DNA (via referral).
    • Features: Screens all pregnant women, expert gastroenterologists.
    • Address: Ilesa Road, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
    • Contact: +234 815 209 2776.
    • Price Range: ₦1,000–₦40,000.
  5. University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Panel, LFTs, Ultrasound.
    • Features: Leading public hospital, affordable, gastroenterology expertise.
    • Address: Queen Elizabeth Road, Ibadan, Oyo.
    • Contact: +234 803 315 5566.
    • Price Range: ₦1,000–₦50,000.
  6. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Profile, LFTs, Ultrasound.
    • Features: Public facility, cost-effective, reliable diagnostics.
    • Address: Okpanam Road, Asaba, Delta.
    • Contact: +234 803 704 1234.
    • Price Range: ₦1,000–₦40,000.
  7. University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Panel, HBV DNA, LFTs.
    • Features: Advanced diagnostics, gastroenterology department.
    • Address: East-West Road, Choba, Port Harcourt.
    • Contact: +234 803 312 9812.
    • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦80,000.
  8. Benin Medical Care, Benin City, Edo:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Profile, HBV DNA, Ultrasound.
    • Features: Private diagnostic center, modern equipment, fast results.
    • Address: 60 Adesuwa Grammar School Road, GRA, Benin City.
    • Contact: +234 815 085 5050.
    • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦100,000.
  9. Raytouch Diagnostics, Lagos and Kano:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Panel, HBV DNA, LFTs.
    • Features: Specialized lab, high accuracy, multiple locations.
    • Address: Plot 4 New Court Road, Gyadi Gyadi, Kano; Lagos branches.
    • Contact: +234 803 725 1742.
    • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦100,000.
  10. Clina-Lancet Laboratories, Lagos and Abuja:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Profile, HBV DNA, LFTs, Ultrasound.
    • Features: ISO-accredited, home collection, fast turnaround.
    • Address: 76 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos; multiple locations.
    • Contact: +234 701 777 7888.
    • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦100,000.
  11. Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Profile, LFTs, Ultrasound.
    • Features: Public hospital, affordable, research-backed diagnostics.
    • Address: Zaria Road, Kano.
    • Contact: +234 803 596 7452.
    • Price Range: ₦1,000–₦50,000.
  12. Blue CoralBOSE0 Coral Healthcare Services, Lekki, Lagos:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Profile, LFTs, Ultrasound.
    • Features: Private clinic, modern facilities, home collection available.
    • Address: Kengraphics Building, 1 Ajiran Road, Agungi, Lekki, Lagos.
    • Contact: +234 906 000 3854, +234 907 700 0075.
    • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦80,000.
  13. St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos Island, Lagos:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Panel, LFTs, Ultrasound.
    • Features: Private hospital, high-quality diagnostics, UK visa-approved.
    • Address: 57 Campbell Street, Lagos Island, Lagos.
    • Contact: +234 803 725 1742.
    • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦80,000.
  14. Migration Health Assessment Centre (IOM), Asokoro, Abuja:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Profile, LFTs.
    • Features: International standards, used for visa health screenings.
    • Address: 55 Hassan Musa Katsina Road, Asokoro, Abuja.
    • Contact: +234 803 704 1234.
    • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦50,000.
  15. Vinette Hospital, Garki II, Abuja:
    • Services: HBsAg, Hepatitis B Profile, LFTs, Ultrasound.
    • Features: Private facility, reliable diagnostics, fast results.
    • Address: 14 Gindiri Street, Garki II, Abuja.
    • Contact: +234 803 320 7432.
    • Price Range: ₦2,000–₦80,000.

Tips for Choosing Testing Facilities

  • Verify Accreditation: Ensure the facility is ISO-accredited or recognized by health authorities for reliable results.
  • Check Test Availability: Confirm the lab offers advanced tests like HBV DNA, as not all facilities do.
  • Compare Prices: Public hospitals (e.g., NIMR, LUTH) are cheaper than private labs like Pathcare or Clina-Lancet.
  • Ask About Turnaround: Rapid HBsAg tests are same-day; viral load tests may take 24–48 hours.
  • Ensure Confidentiality: Choose reputable centers to protect sensitive health data.
  • Seek Specialist Care: Positive results should be followed up with a gastroenterologist for management.

Conclusion

Hepatitis B testing in Nigeria is essential for early detection and management of this prevalent liver infection, with tests ranging from ₦1,000 for HBsAg screening to ₦100,000 for HBV viral load tests. Facilities like NIMR, Pathcare, LUTH, and Clina-Lancet offer reliable diagnostics, with public hospitals providing more affordable options and private labs offering faster results and home collection. With an estimated 20 million Nigerians living with HBV, early testing can prevent complications and transmission. Contact accredited facilities directly, verify pricing, and ensure follow-up with specialists to manage positive results effectively in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

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