Ordering Guidance

This test should not be used to test symptomatic individuals (ie, diagnostic purposes) who may or may not have risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection. For testing such patients, order HBAG / Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen, Serum.

This test should not be used to test or screen for chronic hepatitis B in pregnant individuals. For testing such patients, order HBAGP / Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Prenatal, Serum.

This test is not intended for testing cadaver or grossly hemolyzed specimens. For testing such patients, order HBGCD / Hepatitis B Surface Antigen for Cadaveric or Hemolyzed Specimens, Serum, which is US Food and Drug Administration approved for testing on these sources.

Additional Testing Requirements

Testing for acute hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) should also include HBIM / Hepatitis B Virus IgM Core Antibody, Serum, as during the acute HBV infection "window period," hepatitis B virus surface (HBs) antigen and HBs antibody may not be detected.

Necessary Information

1. Date of collection is required.

2. Indicate if specimens are from autopsy/cadaver or hemolyzed sources so that the proper US Food and Drug Administration licensed assay can be performed.

Specimen Required

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel (red-top tubes are not acceptable)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 0.9 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).

2. Aliquot serum into a plastic vial.