Plasma

Pink top tube 6 mL (K2-EDTA)

One full pink top tube EDTA anti-coagulated pink top tube. Sample tube must remain sterile. HBV testing cannot be added onto a previously opened Vacutainer^® tube. Testing requires a dedicated collection tube. If also testing for HCV RNA or Genotype, collect a second Pink top tube (6 mL whole blood or 3 mL plasma).

Weekly

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 "POS <1.3 LOG IU" and negative results will be reported as "Not detected".

Testing only approved for viral load testing to monitor therapy. Not for diagnostic testing.

PCR amplification; Cobas HBV Test (Roche Diagnostics, Inc.)

All collection tubes need to be processed within 24 hours of collection. If specimens cannot reach the Microbiology laboratory at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics within the 24 hours, process as follows:

Centrifuge for 20 minutes at 800-1600 x g. Aseptically enter the tube and aliquot into sterile tubes. Transport to the laboratory on ice within 24 hours.

Within 24 hours of collection, centrifuge at 800-1600 x g for 10 minutes.
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of collection.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly to lab.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as possible.

Refrigerate.
See "Instructions:" above for special storage requirements.

Place coolant packs into Styrofoam container.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
DO NOT FREEZE, protect specimen by wrapping in bubble-wrap or toweling.
Recommend early AM overnight shipping or equivalent if not on courier service.

See Additional Information:
Conversion of Log Value to Integer Value Calculator