Plasma

Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.

3 mL whole blood from light green top tube or TWO Microtainer^® devices for pediatric patients

Heat-inactivated, grossly hemolyzed, or lipemic specimens. Specimens containing particulate material, or collected in citrate-based anticoagulant.

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

See Interpretive Data

A negative result of <0.90 indicates that Hepatitis Be antigens were not detected in the sample. A negative test result does not exclude the possibility of exposure to or infection with HBV.

A positive result of >1.10 indicates presumptive evidence of hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatitis Be antigens were detected in the sample which suggests either on-going or previous HBV infection.

This assay may be significantly impacted by high-dose biotin (>5 mg dose) taken within previous 12 hours. High concentrations of biotin may lead to falsely decreased results. These concentrations may be found in patients taking over-the-counter supplements with biotin content much higher than nutritional requirements for biotin. Specimens should not be collected until at least 12 hours after the last dose.

Order this test only when specimen is repeatedly reactive for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen.

Assay changed to Roche Elecsys HBeAg on 10/03/2017.

Assay is unaffected by icterus (<25 mg/dL), hemolysis (Hb <1600 mg/dL), lipemia (triglycerides <1500 mg/dL) and total protein < 12 g/dL.

For diagnostic purposes, the results should always be assessed in conjunction with the patient's medical history, clinical examination, and other findings. A reactive HBeAg result does not exclude co- infection by another hepatitis virus. False positive results due to non-specific reactivity cannot be ruled out with this assay. In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to immunological components, streptavidin and ruthenium can occur. A non- reactive test result does not exclude the possibility of exposure to HBV. Negative HBeAg results may occur during early infection due to delayed seroconversion. False negative results may occur due to antigen levels below the detection limit of this assay or if the patient's antigen does not react with the antibody used in this test.

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells.
Separate plasma or serum into labeled container and cap.
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of collection.

Refrigerate.

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

See Additional Information:
Biotin Interference with Immunoassays