Hepatitis Be Antibodies (HBeAb), Serum/Plasma

Seroconversion to HBeAg-negative and HBeAb-positive status usually implies a decrease in viral replication, decrease in potential liver injury, improved prognosis, and decrease in hepatocellular carcinoma risk and is the major endpoint of therapy. The persistence of viraemia and active liver disease in the absence of HBeAg and the presence of HBeAb is a result of HBV variants that produce little or no HBeAg due to mutations that affect the synthesis of the precore (HBeAb) protein. See Also Hepatitis Be Antigen (HBeAg), Serum and Hepatitis Be Antibodies (HBeAb), Serum

The detection of HBeAb indicates reduced risk of infectivity. It can persist for years but usually declines earlier than HBsAb and HBcAb. The test is useful in the differential diagnosis, staging, and prognosis of hepatitis B infection.

1 ml Serum 1 ml K2, K3-EDTA, Na-Heparin, Sodium Citrate, or Potassium Oxalate Plasma Stability: 3 Days at 15-30 °C 7 Days at 2-8 °C > 7 Days at -20 °C

Avoid grossly hemolysed samples.

Non-Reactive: ˃1.00 S/CO Reactive: ≤ 1.00 S/CO