MIDL PCR Hepatitis B Virus Qt (HBD)
Department: Molecular Infectious Disease
Test Synonym(s): LAB951, HBV DNA by PCR, HBV DNA quant, HBD, Hepatitis B Virus Quantitative
CPT Codes: 87517
Methodology: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Reference Range: No HBV DNA detected; Limits of detection: 10 - 1,000,000,000 IU/mL HBV DNA
Tube Type: Plasma Preparation Tube (PPT) or 4 mL Serum (red) Vacutainer
Specimen: EDTA Plasma (PPT) or Serum (Red top)
Alternate Specimen: Any other specimen type needs Medical Director's approval.
Pediatric Requirements: 1.5 mL plasma or serum
Volume: 1.5 mL
Minimum Volume: 1.5 mL
Temperature: Room temperature
Stability: Room temperature: same day, refrigerated: overnight, frozen: longer than overnight.
Reasons for Rejection: Alternative specimen sent without Medical Director approval
Days Performed: Friday
Times Performed: Batched
TAT: 48 hours
Significance: HBV is one of the leading causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. More than 2 billion people are infected worldwide and it is responsible for 1 million deaths annually. In developed countries, HBV is a blood-borne viral infection transmitted via sexual activity, injection-drug use or occupational exposure. Almost all vertical transmission (mother to infant) of HBV has been eliminated in the United States due to the institution of an aggressive HBV vaccination program and the immunoprophylactic treatment of infants born to HBsAg positive mothers. Chronic HBV patients may go on to develop more severe conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure and other complications. There have been recent advances in antiviral therapy with the development of new nucleoside analogues. This has supported the need for HBV viral quantification for the monitoring of treatment.
Special Instructions: EDTA plasma from a lavender top tube must be separated from the red cells and refrigerated within six (6) hours.
Click here to print the Molecular Diagnostics requisition.
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