Hepatitis B viral loads

Microbiology

Notes

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the quantifiable measurement of HBV DNA in human plasma

• Further tests for HBV positive patients include Hepatitis D PCR

• Samples for HBV viral loads must reach the laboratory within 6hrs of collection and must be received before 16.30hrs Monday to Friday

• Please telephone the laboratory when these samples are collected

Sample requirements

Plasma - paired samples not required

4ml of blood taken into an EDTA Tube

For adults 2 full EDTA tubes required for each test -  eg. for HBV viral load and Hepatitis D PCR, 4 EDTA tubes in total are required

For babies and small children a minimum of one full 2mL paediatric EDTA  or one full paediatric Mini Collect EDTA tube is required

Required information

• Relevant clinical details
• Time of sample collection

Storage/transport

Transport immediately at ambient temperature

Turnaround time

Up to 10 days

Results

Reported in IU/mL and log IU/mL