The HBe antigen assay, in conjunction with other serological and clinical information, can be used for the determination and management of chronic hepatitis B infection.

This assay should not be used for the diagnosis of acute Hepatitis B infection.

This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Immediately following collection, thoroughly mix sample by gently inverting 5 times

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Red serum vial/tube, 5 mL

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

Lavender:

Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gently inverting 8 - 10 times to prevent clotting

Red:

1. Allow sample to clot
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
3. Transfer serum to a Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp), labelled as serum

Lavender:

1. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection
2. Transfer serum to a Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp), labelled as plasma

Transfer vial/tube with cap - 12mL (LabCorp)

Ambient (preferred) - 7 days

Refrigerated  - 7 days

Frozen - 1 year

Freeze/thaw cycles stable x3

• Non-EDTA plasma specimen
• Heat-inactivated specimens
• Cord blood
• Cadaver specimens
• Body fluids other than serum or EDTA plasma

Immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA)

Negative