Beginning Monday, October 31, 2011, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA, Ultra Sensitive Quantitative PCR will be performed in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Microbiology and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, replacing the mail-out test currently referred to ARUP Laboratories. The method is the same as performed by the reference laboratory, namely the Roche Diagnostics cobas Ampliprep/Taqman real time PCR HBV assay. However, the required specimen type is changing to an EDTA anti-coagulated (pink or lavender top) tube.

This test is intended for use in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory markers as an indicator of disease prognosis. This test is also used as an aid in accessing viral response to treatment as measured by changes in HBV DNA levels.

Specimen type: EDTA anti-coagulated (pink or lavender top) tube, 2 mL minimum
Specimens stored at 4°C will be accepted up to 72 hours after collection. A dedicated specimen tube is required.

Reference range: Negative

Analytical range in log10 values: 1.3 – 8.2 IU/mL (20-170,000,000 IU/mL non-log transformed values)
Positive results less than 20 IU/mL will be reported as <1.3 log10 IU/mL and negative results will be reported as "Not detected". 

Please use EPIC order code LAB3284.

Questions concerning testing can be directed to Aaron Bossler, MD, PhD (ext. 4-9566), Stacey Klutts, MD, PhD (ext. 6-2990), or Dan Diekema, MD (ext. 4-5626).