Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Qualitative
Also known as: Anti-HBs, Antibody to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, HBV
Use
Presence of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) is used to determine immune status to HBV or disease progression in individuals infected with HBV. Anti-HBs levels can be measured to determine if vaccination is needed, or following a vaccination regimen, to determine if protective immunity has been achieved.
Special Instructions
Anti-HBs usually can be detected several weeks to several months after HBsAg is no longer found, and it may persist for many years or for life after acute infection has been resolved. Patients with this antibody are not overtly infectious. Presence of the antibody without the presence of the antigen is evidence for immunity from reinfection, with virus of the same subtype.
Limitations
Presence of anti-HBs is not an absolute indicator of resolved hepatitis infection, nor of protection from future infection. Since there are different serologic subtypes of hepatitis B virus, it is possible for a patient to have antibody to one surface antigen type and to be acutely infected with virus of a different subtype. Transfused individuals or hemophiliacs receiving plasma components may give false-positive tests for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen.
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 22322-2
- 22322-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Gel-barrier tube or red-top tube
Collection Instructions
If tube other than a gel-barrier tube is used, transfer separated serum to a screw-cap polypropylene transport tube. Do not freeze gel-barrier tube (pour off serum first).
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Cadaver specimens; heat-inactivated specimens; body fluids other than serum or plasma
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |