Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Quantitative

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis B virus: A comprehensive strategy for eliminating transmission in the United States through universal childhood vaccination−Recommendations of the immunization practices advisory committee (ACIP). MMWR. 1991 Nov 22; 40(RR-13):1-25. PubMed 1835756
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86317

Container/Tube: Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube or lavender-top tube (EDTA)

Sample Volume: 1 mL

Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL (Repeat testing is not possible with this specimen volume.)

Stability (collection to time of analysis/testing):

• Ambient: 14 days
• Refrigerated: 14 days
• Frozen: 14 days
• Freeze/Thaw Cycles: Stable (x 3)

Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) level can be measured to determine if vaccination is needed. Following a vaccination regimen, anti-HBs can be measured to determine if protective immunity has been achieved.

The presence of anti-HBs is not an absolute indicator of resolved hepatitis infection nor of protection from future infection. Since there are different serologic subtypes of hepatitis B virus, it is possible (and has been reported) for a patient to have antibody to one surface antigen type and to be acutely infected with a virus of a different subtype. Thus, a patient may have coexisting HBsAG and anti-HBs. Transfused individuals or hemophiliacs receiving plasma components may give false-positive tests for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen.