Eurofins Biomnis code

HBSAG

Synonyms

• Australia Antigen
• HBs - antigens
• HBs antigen
• HBV - HBs antigen

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

Hepatitis B is an acute or fulminant infection of the liver parenchyma, but can also be minor and inapparent and become chronic to develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. Widespread throughout the world, it is due to an enveloped DNA virus (Hepadnaviridae) that cannot be cultured. Hepatitis B diagnostics and follow-up combine complementary serological and molecular tests. Immunological tests study several viral antigen systems and the antibodies induced. Molecular tests (viral DNA detection and quantitification) study in more detail the degree of HBV replication and therefore the stage of the infection. Located on the virion surface and expressed abundantly. It is currently the only constituent of the anti-hepatitis B vaccine. It can be detected from the incubation phase (4 to 6 weeks following contact), peaking in the third month and the blood antigen level then declines to disappear between the fifth and sixth month. These average kinetics are observed in clinical or spontaneously resolvent asymptomatic forms. Persistence after the sixth month may indicate transition to a chronic form and requires molecular tests.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• serum
•   Reftrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

Storage temperature (2-8°C) < 7 days during transport of specimen.
With neutralisation test if positive

Methodology

EIA

Turnaround time

2 days