Hepatitis B virus – viral load

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Molecular quantitation of Hepatitis B virus DNA (viral load)
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Serum ○ Plasma

Other Information

○ This test is for monitoring and treatment purposes and should not be ordered unless an individual has a serologically confirmed Hepatitis B viral infection

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Plasma: EDTA-blood (lavender top)
○ Serum: Serum separator tube (clotted blood)
○ Neonatal blood 1mL

Collection Requirements

○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood for this test.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ Up to 8 days from receipt by PHO laboratory
○ 24 hours for in-house donor testing

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4516

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at room temperature (20-25˚C) for up to 24h. If a longer delay is expected, store specimen at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C).

○ The specimen will be referred* to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing

* Hepatitis B DNA testing will be performed in house on specimens from living or cadaveric donors. All other testing will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing