Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Test name:
Hepatitis B Virus viral load

Order name:
HBV DNA QUANT

Specimen requirements:
Serum or plasma separated from peripheral blood  within 24 hours of collection

Minimum volume:
0.5 mL minimum serum or plasma, 1 mL preferred

Storage and stability information:
Peripheral Blood (Refrigerated, 24 hours), serum or plasma (Refrigerated, 7 days or frozen at -20°C less than 1 week)

Test performed:
Once per week

Methodology:
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reference range:
HBV target DNA not detected

Linear range:
20 to 170,000,000 IU/mL. (1.3 – 8.2 log IU/mL)

Limit of detection:
20 IU/mL (1.3 log)

Clinical significance:
This test is intended for use as an aid in the management of patients with chronic HBV infection undergoing anti-viral therapy. The assay can be used to measure HBV DNA levels at baseline and during treatment to aid in assessing response to treatment. 

CPT codes:
87517