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Test ID: HEAB Hepatitis B Virus e Antibody, Serum

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

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.

Report Available

Same day/1 to 3 days

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Clinical Reference

1. LeFevre 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(1):58-66. doi:10.7326/M14-1018

2. Terrault NA, Bzowej NH, Chang KM, et al. AASLD guidelines for treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology. 2016; 63(1):261-283

3. WHO guidelines on hepatitis B and C testing. Geneva: World Health Organization; February 2017. Accessed December21, 2023. Available at www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549981

4. Jackson K, Locarnini S, Gish R. Diagnostics of hepatitis B virus: Standard of care and investigational. Clin Liver Dis. 2018; 12(1):5-11. doi:10.1002/cld.729

5. Coffin CS, Zhou K, Terrault NA. New and old biomarkers for diagnosis and management of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Gastroenterology. 2019; 156(2):355-368. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.037

6. Conners EE, Panagiotakopoulos L, Hofmeister MG, et al. Screening and testing for hepatitis B virus infection: CDC Recommendations-United States, 2023. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2023;72(1):1-25

Method Name

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)

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.

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

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)

Mayo Clinic Laboratories | Microbiology and Infectious Disease Catalog Additional Information:

mml-hepatitis