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Test Code ANTI-HBE Hepatitis B Virus e Antibody, Serum

Additional Codes

Mayo Test ID
HEAB

Reporting Name

HBe Antibody, S

Useful For

Determining the presence or absence of detectable hepatitis B virus e antibody in monitoring infection status of individuals with chronic hepatitis B

 

Determining infectivity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers

 

Monitoring serologic response of chronically HBV-infected patients receiving antiviral therapy

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum SST


Additional Testing Requirements


If ordered with HBVQN / Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time PCR, Serum; send separate vials.



Necessary Information


Date of collection is required.



Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: For 24 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (eg, hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7).

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: 0.7 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 plastic vial.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum SST Frozen (preferred) 90 days
  Refrigerated  6 days
  Ambient  72 hours

Reference Values

Negative

 

See Viral Hepatitis Serologic Profiles.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

86707

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HEAB HBe Antibody, S 33463-1

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
HEAB HBe Antibody, S 33463-1

Clinical Information

During recovery from acute hepatitis B, the hepatitis B e virus antigen (HBeAg) level declines and becomes undetectable and HBe antibody (anti-HBe) appears in the serum. Anti-HBe usually remains detectable for many years after recovery from acute hepatitis B.

 

In hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers and in patients with chronic hepatitis B, positive anti-HBe results usually indicate inactivity of the virus and low infectivity of the patients. Positive anti-HBe results in the presence of detectable HBV DNA in serum indicate active viral replication.

 

For more information, see the following:

-Hepatitis B: Testing Algorithm for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management

-Viral Hepatitis Serologic Profiles

Interpretation

Absence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) with appearance of HBe antibody (anti-HBe) is consistent with inactivity of the virus and loss of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infectivity.

 

Although resolution of chronic HBV infection generally follows the appearance of anti-HBe, the HBV carrier state may persist.

Cautions

For diagnostic purposes, results should always be assessed in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, clinical examination, and other findings.

 

Serum specimens from individuals taking multivitamins containing biotin or biotin supplements at 20 mg or more per day may have false-positive hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe) test results due to interference of biotin with the assay. Such individuals should stop taking these biotin-containing dietary supplements for a minimum of 12 hours before blood collection for this test.

 

In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to analyte-specific antibodies, streptavidin, or ruthenium can occur, causing false-positive anti-HBe results. These effects are minimized by suitable test design.

 

Appearance of anti-HBe in serum does not completely rule-out chronic hepatitis B virus carrier state or infectivity.

 

Assay performance characteristics have not been established when Elecsys Anti-HBe assay is used in conjunction with other manufacturers’ assays for specific HBV serological markers.

 

Assay performance characteristics have not been established for the following specimen characteristics or specimen types:

-Grossly icteric (total bilirubin level of >66 mg/dL)

-Grossly lipemic (intralipid level of >2000 mg/dL)

-Grossly hemolyzed (hemoglobin level of >2000 mg/dL)

-Specimen types other than serum

Report Available

Same day/1 to 3 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus Reject

Method Name

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following with the specimen:

-Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916)

-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)