Hepatitis B serology & viral load testing

 

Alternative names, keywords

  

Samples required

Clotted blood (gold cap, 5 mL tube) or

EDTA blood (purple cap, 4 mL tube)

Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.

Test indications

  

Test information
  • EIA

Can be requested by users: HBsAg (see below), anti-HBc antibody, anti-HBs

HBsAg neutralisation, anti-HBc antibody, anti-HBc IgM, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBs (Reflexed by the lab in a newly positive HBsAg)

HBeAg, anti-HBe (Reflexed by the lab in known positive HBsAg)

Viral load testing will only be performed on patients with reactive HBsAg or in immunosuppressed patients with past HBV infection (positive anti-HBc antibody/negative HBsAg).
  • DNA detection and quantification

HBV

Genotyping will only be performed if clinically indicated and if the sample has a detectable viral load.

For further syndromic information, please see viral hepatitis (diagnostic virology) and screen/immunity/follow-up service which includes hepatitis virology in specific patient groups.

Reference range

  

Turnaround time

See virology and microbiological serology turnaround times.

Enquiries

Microbiology (Virology and Serology), ext. 64627

 

Details