Prenatal Hepatitis Evaluation, Serum
Use
This test is used for screening pregnant women for chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C in primary care settings, with or without risk factors for hepatitis C. It also helps in determining the level of infectivity of chronic hepatitis B in pregnant women. The test identifies hepatitis B surface antigen indicating possible acute or chronic infection and hepatitis C virus antibodies indicating past or chronic infection.
Special Instructions
The test should not be used for screening hepatitis C in blood or human cells/tissue donors. For 24 hours before specimen collection, avoid multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin due to possible interference.
Limitations
Not effective for diagnosing hepatitis B during the acute phase 'window period'. Does not detect acute hepatitis C virus in pregnancy as antibodies may not form until 2 months after infection. HCV RNA testing not performed on samples negative for HCV antibodies.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 101653-4
- 5196-1
- 40726-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2.2 mL
Minimum Volume
1.6 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge blood as per manufacturer's instructions within 2 hours. Aliquot serum into a plastic vial and ship frozen.
Patient Preparation
Do not take supplements containing biotin 24 hours before specimen collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, lipemia, icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
| Frozen | 84 days |