Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

1 mL aliquot, minimum 0.5 mL SST tube and collect one 6 mL pink top EDTA or three 3mL lavender top EDTA tubes

This test is restricted and only orderable by Nephrology/Dialysis.

Send unspun collection tube to testing lab. Allow serum to clot. Centrifuge to separate serum within 2 hours of collection. Plasma will be separated at testing lab. Separate plasma within one day of collection and transfer plasma to a screw-capped, plastic aliquot tube. Freeze immediately at -20°C.

Refrigerated (2-8°C)

Serum: Stable 14 days at 2-8°, 6 months frozen. 
Whole Blood: Refrigerated (2-8°C). Room temperature (15-30°C) up to 24 hours.
Plasma: Refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 72 hours. Room temperature (15-30°C) up to 20 hours. Frozen (-20°C) up to 60 days. Can be subjected to at most 3 freeze thaw cycles. Thawed samples may be stored at 2-8°C for up to 6 hours prior to testing. Frozen (-70°C) long term. Can be subjected to at most 3 freeze thaw cycles. Thawed samples may be stored at 2-8°C for up to 6 hours prior to testing.

Specimens stored or transported at incorrect temperature, stability limits exceeded, improper collection tube used, insufficient volume, improperly labeled/ identified specimens.

Negative. HBV DNA not detected.

Department of Health is notified for PA residents if positive.

Qualitative detection of hepatitis B surface antigen and 1uantitation of hepatitis B viral DNA by PCR.

HBSAG, Hepatitis Associated Antigen Hepatitis B surface antigen Hepatitis B Viral Load, HBVL, Viral Load, Hepatitis B, Hep B, Hep B Viral Load, Quant Viral Load

This test is utilized for the detection and quantitation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the plasma of patients with HBV infection (i.e., hepatitis B surface antigen positive), monitoring disease progression in chronic HBV infection, and monitoring response to anti-HBV therapy.