Hepatitis B Immunity

Test information: Determines the concentration of antibody to Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) present in serum. Used to monitor the success of Hepatitis B vaccination.

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 antibody;

Part of a test profile?

N/A

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 haemolysed specimens.
• Please indicate vaccination history.
• Specimens from heparinized patients may be partially coagulated, and erroneous results could occur due to the presence of fibrin.

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Units: mIU/mL
<10mIU/mL: SUSCEPTIBLE to Hepatitis B
>10 - <100mIU/mL: Protective at the time of testing, but long-term protection is uncertain.
>100mIU/mL: Post vaccination, this level of antibody confers long term protection.

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

• Markers of current / past infection required in vaccine non responders.
• Repeat vaccination course and testing 4 months post 2nd complete course.
• Individuals with levels of <10 mIU/mL post-vaccination require Hepatitis B immunoglobulin if exposed to Hepatitis B.
• Performance has not been established using cadaver specimens.
• Quantitative values obtained using alternative assays may not be equivalent and cannot be used interchangeably.

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