Test Code LAB8888 Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Confirmation, Prenatal, Serum
Specimen Type
Serum SSTOrdering Guidance
Specimen Required
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see HBAGP / Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Prenatal, Serum.
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel (red-top tubes are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.8 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).
2. Aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days |
Refrigerated | 6 days | |
Ambient | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Clinical Information
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus that is endemic throughout the world. The infection is spread primarily through percutaneous contact with infected blood products (eg, blood transfusion, sharing of needles among injection drug users). The virus is found in various human body fluids, and it is known to be spread through oral and genital contact. HBV can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery through contact with blood and vaginal secretions, but it is not commonly transmitted transplacentally.
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the first serologic marker appearing in the serum at 6 to 8 weeks following exposure to HBV. In acute infection, HBsAg usually disappears in 1 to 2 months after the onset of symptoms. Persistence of HBsAg for more than 6 months in duration indicates development of either a chronic carrier state or chronic HBV infection.
For more information see:
-Hepatitis B: Testing Algorithm for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management
-HBV Infection-Monitoring Before and After Liver Transplantation
Performing Laboratory

CPT Code Information
87341
Method Name
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see HBAGP / Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Prenatal, Serum.
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday