Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Screen, Qualitative

Also known as: HBsAg, HBV, Hepatitis-associated Antigen, Qualitative HBV surface antigen

Clinical Use

Use

This assay can be used in conjunction with other serological and clinical information to diagnose individuals with acute or chronic hepatitis B infection. This assay may also be used to screen for hepatitis B infection in pregnant women to identify neonates who are at risk of acquiring hepatitis B during the perinatal period.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

Patients who are negative for HBsAg may still have acute type B viral hepatitis. There is sometimes a 'core window' stage when HBsAg has become negative and the patient has not yet developed the antibody (anti-HBs). On such occasions, both tests for anti-HBc are usually positive and anti-HBc, IgM is the only specific marker for the diagnosis of acute infection with hepatitis B. In cases with strong clinical suspicion of viral hepatitis, serologic testing should not be limited to detecting HBsAg, but should include a battery of tests to evaluate different stages of acute and convalescent hepatitis. The performance characteristics of this assay have not been determined for use in cadaveric specimens.

Test Details

Methodology

Immunoassay (CLIA)

Biomarkers

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen

Protein

HBsAg Screen

Other • Binary (Detected / Not Detected)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

5196-1 - HBV surface Ag SerPl Ql IA

Result Codes

5196-1 - HBV surface Ag SerPl Ql IA

Result Turnaround Time

1-2 days

Specimen

Serum

Volume

3.5 mL

Minimum Volume

1.5 mL

Container

Gel-barrier tube, red-top tube or serum transfer 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).