Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antibody - serum or plasma specimen
- Synonyms: HBsAb, Hepatitis B Surface Antibody
- LIS Mnemonic: HBVSAB
Collect
PREFERRED: Serum is the preferred specimen. Collect blood in a 4 ml Gold Serum Separator Tube-Clot Activator & Gel.
REMARK: Plasma is an acceptable alternative specimen. Blood can be collected in plastic tubes containing dipotassium EDTA with or without gel separator, lithium heparin with gel separator, and sodium heparin.
Volume Required
4 ml of blood
Minimum Required
2 ml of blood
Transport
A total of 2-4 ml of blood (for every 2-3 Hepatitis and HIV tests ordered) should be collected.
For the CHOP enterprise, submit blood specimens as soon as possible at room temperature to Central Laboratory Services.
For outside clients, it is recommended that serum or plasma specimens be removed from the clot, red blood cells, or separator gel as soon as possible after collection and before shipping specimens. When shipping serum or plasma specimens, package and label specimens in compliance with applicable state, federal, and international regulations covering the transport of clinical specimens and infectious substances. Specimens may be shipped at 2-8C (wet ice) or frozen (dry ice). Do not exceed the storage time limitations listed under the heading of Stability.
Stability
Serum or plasma specimens should be stored for no longer than 3 days at room temperature or 7 days at 2-8C following specimen collection and separation from clot, red blood cells, or separator gel. If a storage period greater than 7 days is anticipated, serum or plasma should be stored frozen at -20C or colder. No more than 3 freeze-thaw cycles should be performed on any sample prior to testing, and specimens should not be stored in frost-free freezers.
Unacceptable conditions
Do not use serum or plasma specimens that are heat-inactivated, pooled, grossly hemolyzed, or contain obvious microbial contamination. Performance has not been established for the use of cadeveric specimens or the use of boody fluids other than human serum or plasma.
Specimen Handling
Unprocessed blood specimens should routinely be refrigerated at 4C upon arrival in the laboratory. One should remove the serum or plasma from clotted blood, red blood cells, or separator gel as soon as possible to avoid hemolysis. The best results are generally observed for serum or plasma specimens that are clear and nonhemolyzed. Lipemic, icteric, or hemolyzed specimens should be avoided when possible, and specimens with obvious microbial contamination should not be used. Specimens containing unremoved clots, red blood cells, or particulate matter may give inconsistent results and should be clarified by centrifugation before testing.
Days Performed
Monday thru Friday
Reported
Daily
CPT
86706
Methodology
Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay
Disease Information
Utility:
The presence of IgG antibody to Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs) indicates past infection or seroconversion following immunization. Anti-HBs generally appears during early convalescence and usually after HBsAg is no longer detectable; low levels of anti-HBs can occasionally be observed in the presence of HBsAg. This antibody persists for life and is a marker of recovery and immunity.
Interpretation
The presence of HBV surface antibody is indicative of recovery from and immunity to infection with HBV or vaccination against HBV. Results >12 mIU/ml are considered reactive and the individual is considered immune to HBV infection. Results <8 mIU/ml are considered non-reactive and the individual is considered not to be immune to HBV infection. NOTE: Recipients of intravenous immunoglobulin, newborn infants possessing pasively acquired maternal antibody, or patients who have received recent blood transfusions may be positive for antibody to HBV surface antigen. For diagnostic purposes, antibody reactivity to HBV surface antigen should be correlated with patient history and other hepatitis markers for diagnosis of past or present infection, or vaccination against HBV.
Reference Values
Negative (e.g., <8 mIU/ml) or nonreactive for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) surface antibody
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