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Test Code HBSAG Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) [LAB471]

Test Method

Electrochemiluminescence sandwich principle: Roche cobas Pro

Performance

Testing is performed 7 days a week Monday through Sunday. Routine specimen requests are completed the same day upon arrival to the laboratory. Stat requests are completed within 4 hours upon receipt. 

Useful For

The hepatitis B surface antigen, a polypeptide of varying size, is a component of the external envelope of the hepatitis B virus particle (HBV). The blood of persons infected with HBV contains, in addition to intact infectious HBV particles, smaller non-infectious “empty” envelope particles, which are formed in great excess and also contain the hepatitis B surface antigen. The detection of HBsAg in human serum or plasma indicates an infection by the hepatitis B virus. HBsAg is the first immunological marker to appear in acute hepatitis B infection and is generally present some days or weeks before clinical symptoms begin to appear. HBsAg is observed in persons with acute and chronic hepatitis B infections. HBsAg tests are part of the diagnostic algorithm used to identify persons infected with HBV and to prevent the transmission of the hepatitis B virus by blood and blood products.

Reference Values

Nonreactive

Performing Laboratory

UnityPoint The Finley Hospital

Specimen Requirements

  1. Serum is the specimen of choice.
  2. Lithium heparin and EDTA plasma are also acceptable sample types; however, serum is required if confirmation testing is needed.
  3. Gel tubes are acceptable.  
  4. Hepatitis B Surface Antigen specimens are stable for 6 days at 20-25°C, 14 days at 2-8°C, and 6 months at -20°C.