Health Lab Home
Test Name: HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN, REFLEX CONFIRMATION
Test Code: 2120923
Alias: HBSAg
Hep B
Hepatitis
LAB1315
CPT Code(s): 87340  
Preferred Specimen:

2.0 mL serum

*Confirmation may be required if screen is positive

Container: SST (gold)
Alternate Container:

 Light Green

Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL serum or plasma
This volume may not allow for repeat testing.  This volume also will not allow for any confirmation testing to be performed if the screen is reactive.
Collection Instructions: Allow specimen to completely clot (this can take up to 60 minutes). Centrifuge for 15 minutes as soon as the specimen is clotted. If the specimen is collected in a Plain Red (no additive/gel) or an anticoagulant tube, centrifuge and transfer the serum/plasma into a properly labeled transfer tube. Specify specimen type (serum or plasma) on transfer tube.
Transport Temperature: Refrigerated
Stability: Room temperature: 6 days
Refrigerated:  14 days
Frozen: 6 months
Rejection Criteria:

Hemolysis

Gross bacterial contamination

Body fluids other than human serum and plasma

Limitations:

This assay is not intended for use in screening blood, plasma or tissue donors.

Specimens from patients who have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy may contain human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA).  Such specimens may show either falsely elevated or depressed values when tested with assay kits that employ mouse monoclonal antibodies.

A reactive HBsAg result does not exclude co-infection by another hepatitis virus.

Additional Information:

Current methods for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen may not detect all potentially infected individuals. A nonreactive test result does not exclude the possibility of exposure to, or infection with, hepatitis B virus. A nonreactive test result in individuals with prior exposure to hepatitis B may be due to antigen levels below the detection limit of this assay or lack of antigen reactivity to the antibodies in this assay.

 

If positive, specimen will be sent to a reference lab for confirmation prior to reporting. If reflex testing is performed, additional charges may apply.

Schedule:

Set up: Daily; Results in 24-48 hours

Method: Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)
Clinical Significance:

Assays for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) are routinely used to aid in the diagnosis of suspected hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and to monitor the status of infected individuals, i.e. whether the patient's infection has resolved or the patient has become a chronic carrier of the virus.  For the diagnosis of acute or chronic hepatitis, HBsAg reactivity should be correlated with patient history and the presence of other hepatitis B serological markers. Prenatal testing has been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify newborns from HBV carrier mothers that may benefit from prophylactic treatment.

Use: Updated 6/28/24
Reference Ranges:

Non-reactive:  < 1.00 COI

Reactive:  > 1.00 COI

 

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.

Test Type: