Viral Load Quantification

Determination of Hepatitis B viral load by commercial quantitative Real-Time 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 frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on dry 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.

Serologically confirmed Hepatitis B infection with positive HBV DNA qualitative test.

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.

Commercial Real-Time TaqMan PCR; sensitivity is 6 IU/mL; range from 6 to 108 IU/mL.

19 calendar days.

1. Weiss J, Wu H, Farrenkopf B, Schultz T, Song G, Shah S, Siegel J. Real time TaqMan PCR detection and quantitation of HBV genotypes A-G with the use of an internal quantitation standard. J Clin Virol. 2004;30(1):86-93.
2. Allice T, Cerutti F, Pittaluga F, Varetto S, Gabella S, Marzano A, Franchello A, Ghisetti V. Comparison of the Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas TaqMan HBV Test versus the Cobas Amplicor HBV monitor for HBV-DNA detection and quantification during antiviral therapy. New Microbiol. 2008;31(1):27-35.