Hepatitis Bs Antigen (HBsAg), Serum/Plasma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes transient and chronic infections of the liver. Transient infections may produce serious illness, and approximately 0.5% terminate with fatal, fulminant hepatitis. Chronic infections may also have serious consequences; nearly 25% terminate in untreatable liver cancer. HBV is transmitted following parentaral, percutaneous and sexual exposure, but also by contact with open cuts and sores. The risk of becoming a chronic carrier of HBV is age dependent. This exceeds 90% in newborns of HBeAg-positive mothers and ranges between 25% and 30% in infants and very young children. However, in adults, this risk is only between 5% and 10%. See Also Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA Quantitative, PCR

Because the clinical symptoms of HBV infection are indistinguishable from other forms of viral hepatitis, definitive diagnosis is dependent on serologic testing for HBV infection. Acute infection is characterised by the presence of HBsAg in serum and the development of HBc IgM antibodies. During convalescence, HBsAg and HBeAg are cleared, and anti-HBs, anti-HBc total, and anti-HBe antibodies develop. Chronic HBV infection is defined as the persistent presence of HBsAg in the serum of an individual for 6 months or longer. In persons with chronic HBV infection, HBsAg remains persistently detectable, generally for life if not treated.

1 ml Serum 1 ml K2, K3-EDTA, Li, Na-Heparin, Sodium Citrate, or Potassium Oxalate/Sodium Fluoride Plasma Stability: 24 Hours at Room Temperature 6 Days at 2-8 °C > 6 Days at -20 °C

Avoid grossly haemolysed samples.

Non-Reactive: < 1.00 CIO Reactive: ≥ 1.00 CIO