Home
HelpTest ID: HEAG Hepatitis B Virus e Antigen and Hepatitis B Virus e Antibody, Serum
Reporting Name
Hepatitis Be Ag and Ab, SUseful For
Determining the presence or absence of detectable hepatitis B virus e antigen and 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
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) e antigen (HBeAg) is a small polypeptide, which exists in a free form in the serum of individuals during the early phase of hepatitis B infection, soon after hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) becomes detectable. Serum levels of both HBeAg and HBsAg rise rapidly during the period of viral replication. The presence of HBeAg in serum correlates with viral infectivity, the number of infectious virions, and the presence of HBV core antigen in the infected hepatocytes.
During recovery from acute hepatitis B, HBeAg level declines and becomes undetectable in the serum, while HBe antibody (anti-HBe) appears and becomes detectable in the serum. Anti-HBe usually remains detectable for many years after recovery from acute HBV infection.
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. Positive anti-HBe test results usually indicate inactivity of the virus and low infectivity, and such positive results in the presence of detectable HBV DNA in serum also indicate active viral replication in these patients.
Interpretation
Presence of hepatitis B virus e 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.
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. World Health Organization; 2017. Accessed December 21, 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 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, 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: 0.8 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 a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days | |
| Refrigerated | 6 days | ||
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Reference Values
HEPATITIS Be ANTIGEN:
Negative
HEPATITIS Be ANTIBODY:
Negative
For more information 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
87350
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HEAG | Hepatitis Be Ag and Ab, S | 77176-6 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| EAG | Hepatitis Be Ag, S | 13954-3 |
| HEAB | HBe Antibody, S | 33463-1 |
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAG | Hepatitis Be Ag, S | Yes | Yes |
| HEAB | HBe Antibody, S | Yes | Yes |
Special Instructions
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following:
mml-hepatitis