Molecular Detection by PCR

Molecular detection of Hepatitis B virus by either in house Real time PCR or conventional in-house nested PCR.

 

Serum or plasma sample. Minimum volume required for serum or plasma – 1.0 mL.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes (SST) or EDTA tubes.

Store samples refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen samples on dry ice, and refrigerated samples on wet ice

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Suspected Hepatitis B infection. Serology results must show markers to the Hepatitis B virus (if the HBsAg is negative please provide justification for the request).

Completed Molecular and Immuno Diagnostics on Hepatitis requisition including sender name, address and telephone number. Patient name or identifier (referring specimen lab #), date of birth, suspected exposure, test(s) requested. Type of specimen and date collected. If possible, include the clinical history and lab results that have already been done at local or provincial laboratories.

Real Time and conventional PCR with several (up to five) primer sets corresponding to the S polymerase and C genes.

 

19 calendar days.

1. Aliyu SH, Aliyu MH, Salihu HM, Parmar S, Jalal H, Curran MD. Rapid detection and quantitation of hepatitis B virus DNA by real-time PCR using a new fluorescent (FRET) detection system. J Clin Virol. 2004 Jun;30(2):191-5.
2. Schaefer S, Glebe D, Wend UC, Oyunbileg J, Gerlich WH. Universal primers for real-time amplification of DNA from all known Orthohepadnavirus species. J Clin Virol. 2003 May;27(1):30-7