Hepatitis B (HBV) Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
87341
Turnaround Time:
96 - 120 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST)
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Sodium Citrate plasma; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
6 days
Frozen:
12 weeks
Clinical Significance
Hepatitis BsAg Confirmation holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in confirming the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in individuals who initially tested positive for HBsAg using a screening test. It is a follow-up test designed to verify the presence of HBsAg and ensure accurate diagnosis and management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Hepatitis BsAg Confirmation include:
1. Confirming HBV Infection: The test is performed to confirm the presence of HBsAg, which is the primary marker of HBV infection. It helps distinguish between false-positive and true-positive results obtained from initial HBsAg screening tests.
2. Differentiating Acute and Chronic Infection: Hepatitis BsAg Confirmation aids in determining whether the HBV infection is acute or chronic. Persistent HBsAg positivity for more than six months indicates chronic infection, while acute infection may show temporary HBsAg positivity followed by seroconversion.
3. Assessing Infectiousness: The test helps determine the infectiousness of an individual with HBsAg positivity. In chronic carriers, high levels of HBsAg are associated with a higher risk of transmission to others. This information is crucial for infection control measures and preventing the spread of HBV.
4. Management and Monitoring: Confirmation of HBsAg positivity with Hepatitis BsAg Confirmation guides the appropriate management and monitoring of patients with HBV infection. It enables healthcare providers to implement measures to reduce the risk of disease progression, screen for complications, and initiate appropriate antiviral treatment when necessary.
5. Public Health Surveillance: The test plays a significant role in public health surveillance efforts for monitoring the prevalence and incidence of HBV infection within a population. Accurate confirmation of HBsAg positivity helps in tracking the burden of the disease, evaluating the effectiveness of prevention programs, and guiding public health strategies.
It is important to note that Hepatitis BsAg Confirmation should be performed following a positive HBsAg screening. If the confirmation test is negative, it indicates that the initial positive result may have been a false-positive or that HBsAg level was below the detection threshold of the confirmatory.
In summary, Hepatitis BsAg Confirmation is specifically used to confirm the presence of HBsAg in individuals who initially tested positive for HBsAg using a screening. It is essential for accurate diagnosis, differentiation of acute and chronic infection, assessing infectiousness, guiding management decisions, and contributing to public health surveillance efforts. Timely and accurate confirmation of HBsAg positivity is crucial for appropriate patient care and control of HBV transmission.