HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV) QUANTITATIVE PCR

​3 – 5 mL blood in sterile EDTA container or serum separation tube. Alternatively, at least 1.5 mL plasma or serum (separated within 1 day of collection by centrifugation at 800-1600 X g for 20 minutes at room temperature) in a sterile screw-capped polypropylene tube.

​For detection and quantitative measurement of hepatitis B viral DNA in serum or plasma. For prognostication, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring response to treatment.

Refrigerate sample until transfer to laboratory. Do not freeze (except for plasma or serum). Sample must reach the laboratory within 24 hours after collection for plain blood and 48 hours for EDTA blood (preferably within 6 hours for all samples). Plasma may be stored at 2 - 8°C for up to 2 days or frozen at -70°C before despatch to the laboratory.

Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) (Roche COBAS 6800 HBV test)

Detected or Not Detected (quantity reported in IU/mL)

Linear Range: 10 to 1.0 X 10⁹ IU/mL

Lowest detection limit: 10 IU/mL

​1 - 5 days

​Monday, Wednesday and Friday