Find Locations
For hours, walk-ins and appointments.Synonyms
- Anti-HBs
- Antibody to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen
- HBV
Expected Turnaround Time
1 - 2 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Related Documents
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum or plasma
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Collection
If tube other than a gel-barrier tube is used, transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 |
Causes for Rejection
Cadaver specimens; heat-inactivated specimens; body fluids other than serum or plasma
Test Details
Use
Presence of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) is used to determine immune status to HBV or disease progression in individuals infected with HBV. Anti-HBs levels can be measured to determine if vaccination is needed, or following a vaccination regimen, to determine if protective immunity has been achieved.
Limitations
Presence of anti-HBs is not an absolute indicator of resolved hepatitis infection, nor of protection from future infection. Since there are different serologic subtypes of hepatitis B virus, it is possible (and has been reported) for a patient to have antibody to one surface antigen type and to be acutely infected with virus of a different subtype. Thus, a patient may have coexisting HBsAg and anti-HBs. Transfused individuals or hemophiliacs receiving plasma components may give false-positive tests for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen.
Methodology
Immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA)
Reference Interval
• Nonreactive: not immune to HBV infection
• Equivocal: unable to determine if anti-HBs is present at levels consistent with immunity
• Reactive: anti-HBs concentration detected at greater than 10 mIU/mL; individual is considered to be immune to infection with HBV
Additional Information
Anti-HBs usually can be detected several weeks to several months after HBsAg is no longer found, and it may persist for many years or for life after acute infection has been resolved. It may disappear in some patients, with only antibody to core remaining. Patients with this antibody are not overtly infectious. Presence of the antibody without the presence of the antigen is evidence for immunity from reinfection, with virus of the same subtype.
References
Abara WE, Qaseem A, Schillie S, et al. Hepatitis B Vaccination, Screening, and Likage to Care: Best Practice Advice from American College of Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Dec 5;167(11):794-804..29159414
Schillie S, Vellozzi C, Reingold A, et al. Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2018 Jan 12;67(1):1-31.29939980
Terrault NA, Lok ASF, McMahon BJ, et al. Update on Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B: AASLD 2018 Hepatitis B Guidance. Hepatology. 2018 Apr;67(4):1560-1599.29405329
Workowski KA, Bolan GA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015 Jun 5;64(RR-03):1-137.26042815
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 006395 | Hep B Surface Ab, Qual | 22322-2 | 006408 | Hep B Surface Ab, Qual | 22322-2 |
© 2021 Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings and Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved.
CPT Statement/Profile Statement
The LOINC® codes are copyright © 1994-2021, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee. Permission is granted in perpetuity, without payment of license fees or royalties, to use, copy, or distribute the LOINC® codes for any commercial or non-commercial purpose, subject to the terms under the license agreement found at https://loinc.org/license/. Additional information regarding LOINC® codes can be found at LOINC.org, including the LOINC Manual, which can be downloaded at LOINC.org/downloads/files/LOINCManual.pdf