HBV Viral Load - RRPL
Discipline
Microbiology
Overview
Description
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a sexually transmitted and bloodborne virus, and is a causative agent of infectious hepatitis. Infection with HBV is vaccine preventable.
- Viral Load testing is used to monitor viral replication and response to treatment in HBV positive patients.
Ordering recommendations
- HBV Viral Load testing may be ordered on known HBV surface Antigen (HBsAg) positive patients
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Plasma
Specimen collection container
- Plasma EDTA (lavender top) tube
Collection procedure
- Collect blood in vacutainer containing EDTA (lavender top). Centrifuge. Aliquot plasma equally between two 3 mL cryovials as soon as possible. If less than 2.5 mL plasma is collected, send in one 3 mL cryovial. Freeze specimens as soon as possible.
Required volume
- 1 EDTA (Lavender Top) tube, 4 mL (1 mL minimum)
Transport and stability
- Plasma should be separated from whole blood within 6 hours of collection, aliquoted, and frozen prior to shipping.
Testing Information
Relevant clinical history
Patient history
- HBV viral load testing should only be ordered on patients with positive HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) results, or following needle stick exposure to blood or body fluid from an HBV positive source patient.
Performance
Methodology
- Quantitative NAAT testing via Roche Cobas 6800 (Detected and quantified in IU/mL or Not Detected)
Days/times performed
Availability
- Specimens are tested at RRPL
Maximum laboratory time
Result reporting
- Turnaround time of 1 week after receipt in testing laboratory
Specimen retention time
- All specimens are retained for 7 days after testing is complete
Last Updated: October 9, 2024