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HelpTest ID: HEAB Hepatitis B Virus e Antibody, Serum
Reporting Name
HBe Antibody, SUseful 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
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 daysDay(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 SSTAdditional 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days |
| Refrigerated | 6 days | |
| Ambient | 72 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
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 |
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 with the specimen:
mml-hepatitis