Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)

Test information: Used for diagnosis of acute ongoing infection and determining carrier status. Should be used in conjunction with patient history and other hepatitis markers. New reactive samples are sent to the reference laboratory for confirmatory testing.

Availability: Available locally Monday - Friday during routine hours: 08:45 - 17:15.

Turnaround Time: 3 Days

Specimen Type(s)

• Clotted blood;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Gold Top SST BD;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Plain Top Sarstedt;

Analytes

• Hepatitis B Surface antigen (HBsAg);

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

5 - 10mL

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

• Minimum-clotting time 30 minutes.
• Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible.
• Outside of normal hours samples should be refrigerated (2 °C to 8 °C).
• Do NOT send grossly haemolyzed specimens.
• Do NOT send specimens with obvious microbial contamination.

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

HBsAg: Non reactive / Reactive

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

Specimens from patients who have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy may contain human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA). Specimens containing (HAMA) may produce anomalous values when tested.

Do not test within 2 weeks subsequent to a Hepatitis B vaccination dose as this interferes with assay interpretation.

If you have any queries about a test or results interpretation please contact us.