Hepatitis B (HBV) Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Total
CPT Code(s):
87340
Turnaround Time:
24 - 48 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
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:
6 days
Refrigerated:
14 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It measures the presence of the HBsAg protein on the surface of HBV particles in the blood.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen include:
1. Hepatitis B Infection Diagnosis: The test is the primary screening tool for diagnosing hepatitis B infection. It detects the presence of HBsAg, which indicates an active HBV infection. A positive result suggests current infection, either acute or chronic.
2. Early Infection Detection: Hepatitis B Surface Antigen is sensitive enough to detect HBsAg during the early stages of infection, even before symptoms manifest. Early detection enables timely intervention, appropriate management, and preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
3. Chronic Hepatitis B Monitoring: In individuals with chronic hepatitis B infection, the presence of HBsAg confirms ongoing viral replication and active disease. Serial measurements of HBsAg levels help monitor disease progression, evaluate treatment efficacy, and guide management decisions.
4. Identification of Carrier State: Some individuals may be carriers of HBV, meaning they harbor the virus without showing symptoms or developing liver damage. The presence of HBsAg confirms the carrier state and the potential for transmission to others.
5. Screening Blood Donors and Organ Transplant Recipients: Hepatitis B Surface Antigen is used to screen blood donations and organ transplant recipients for HBV infection. This helps ensure the safety of blood products and organs, reducing the risk of transmission to recipients.
6. Occupational Health: The test is often performed as part of routine occupational health assessments, especially for healthcare workers who may be at increased risk of HBV exposure. Prompt identification of HBsAg-positive individuals allows for appropriate preventive measures, including vaccination, to protect both healthcare workers and patients.
7. Public Health Surveillance: Hepatitis B Surface Antigen is important for public health surveillance programs. It helps track the prevalence and incidence of HBV infection within a community or population. Data obtained from the test guides the development and implementation of prevention and control strategies, such as vaccination programs and education campaigns.
It is important to note that Hepatitis B Surface Antigen is a screening tool and should be followed up with additionals, such as HBV DNA viral load, Hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg), and liver function tests, to assess disease activity, determine the stage of infection, and guide treatment decisions.
In summary, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen is specifically used for diagnosing hepatitis B infection by detecting the presence of HBsAg. It plays a critical role in early detection, monitoring disease progression, identifying carrier states, ensuring blood and organ safety, occupational health assessments, and public health surveillance efforts. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management of hepatitis B infection are essential for preventing complications, reducing transmission, and improving patient outcomes.