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HelpTest ID: EAG Hepatitis B e Antigen, Serum
Reporting Name
Hepatitis Be Ag, SUseful For
Determining the presence or absence of detectable hepatitis B e antigen 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
Clinical Information
Hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) is found in the early phase of hepatitis B infection soon after hepatitis B surface antigen becomes detectable. Serum levels of both antigens rise rapidly during the period of viral replication. The presence of HBeAg correlates with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infectivity, the number of infectious virions, and the presence of HBV core antigen in the infected hepatocytes.
In HBV carriers and patients with chronic hepatitis B, positive HBeAg results usually indicate presence of active HBV replication and high infectivity. A negative HBeAg result indicates very minimal or no HBV replication.
For more information, see the following:
-Hepatitis B: Testing Algorithm for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management
Interpretation
Presence of hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg) and absence of HBe antibody (anti-HBe) usually indicate active hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and high infectivity.
Absence of HBeAg with appearance of anti-HBe is consistent with loss of HBV infectivity.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Clinical Reference
1. Bonino F, Piratvisuth T, Brunetto MR, Liaw YF: Diagnostic markers of chronic hepatitis B infection and disease. Antivir Ther. 2010;15 Suppl 3:35-44. doi: 10.3851/IMP1622
2. Servoss JC, Friedman LS: Serologic and molecular diagnosis of hepatitis B virus. Clin Liver Dis. 2004 May;8(2):267-281
3. Terrault NA, Bzowej NH, Chang KM, et al: AASLD guidelines for treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology 2016;63:261-283
4. LeFebre ML, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2014;161:58-66. doi:10.7326/M14-1018
5. Jackson K, Locarnini S, Gish R: Diagnostics of hepatitis B virus: Standard of care and investigational. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken). 2018;12(1):5-11 doi: 10.1002/cld.729.
6. Coffin CS, Zhou K, Terrault NA: New and old biomarkers for diagnosis and management of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Gastroenterol. 2019;156:355-368.doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.037.
7. WHO Guidelines Development Group: Guidelines on hepatitis B and C testing. World Health Organization; 2017. Accessed September 9, 2022. Available at https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549981
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Testing and public health management of persons with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. CDC. Updated March 28, 2022. Accessed September 9, 2022. Available at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/testingchronic.htm
Method Name
Chemiluminescence Immunoassay
Specimen Type
Serum SSTOrdering Guidance
If ordered with HBVQN / Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time PCR, Serum; send separate vials.
Additional Testing Requirements
Necessary Information
Date of collection is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 24 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per collection tube 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) | 28 days | |
| Refrigerated | 7 days | ||
| Ambient | 24 hours |
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
87350
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| EAG | Hepatitis Be Ag, S | 13954-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| EAG | Hepatitis Be Ag, S | 13954-3 |
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Hepatitis B: Testing Algorithm for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management
Special Instructions
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following:
mml-hepatitis