Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) HBV-DNAdetection by PCR CSF

DESCRIPTION – the presence of HBV DNA is a reliable marker of active HBV replication. HBV DNA levels are detectable by 30 days following infection, generally reach a peak at the time of acute hepatitis and gradually decreases and disappears when the infection resolves

METHODOLOGY – real time polymerase chain reaction (real time PCR)

TURN AROUND TIME – 8 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – lavender (EDTA), pink (potassium EDTA), yellow (ACD solution A or B)

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – separate the plasma from cells within 24 hours and transfer 2 ml serum or plasma

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – frozen

STABILITY – refrigerated: 5 days; frozen: 2 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS – heparinized specimens

MRP – 3450

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory