Test Results For:
Hepatitis B-Viral Load (PCR)
Test Overview
- Test Name
-
Hepatitis B-Viral Load (PCR)
- Test Code
- HBVVL
Short Description
Hepatitis B-Viral Load (PCR)
Test Name
Hepatitis B-Viral Load (PCR)
Test Code
HBVVL
Category
Molecular biology
TAT
Main Lab:
60, 3
Hour(s), Day(s)
Family Site:
3 Day(s)
Specimen(s)
1 x Venous blood - 5 mL Tube - Gold - SST-Serum Separator Tube , 1 x - 5 mL Tube - Lavender - EDTA Whole Blood , 1 x - 5 mL Tube - Lavender - EDTA Plasma
Specimen Type
SST-Serum Separator Tube
Specimen Format
Tube
Specimen Colour
Gold
Specimen Volume
5 mL
Sampling Order
2
Origin
Venous blood
Collection Time after baseline
-
Transport Temperature
15-25°C
Accepted Other Specimens
EDTA Plasma
TAT
Main Lab:
60, 3
Hour(s), Day(s)
Family Site:
3 Day(s)
Test Stability
Room Temp:
24 Hour(s)
2–8°C:
72 Hour(s)
Specimen Type
EDTA Whole Blood
Specimen Format
Tube
Specimen Colour
Lavender
Specimen Volume
5 mL
Sampling Order
4
Origin
-
Collection Time after baseline
-
Transport Temperature
15-25°C
Accepted Other Specimens
EDTA Plasma
TAT
Main Lab:
60, 3
Hour(s), Day(s)
Family Site:
3 Day(s)
Test Stability
Room Temp:
24 Hour(s)
2–8°C:
72 Hour(s)
Specimen Type
EDTA Plasma
Specimen Format
Tube
Specimen Colour
Lavender
Specimen Volume
5 mL
Sampling Order
4
Origin
-
Collection Time after baseline
-
Transport Temperature
15-25°C
Accepted Other Specimens
EDTA Plasma
TAT
Main Lab:
60, 3
Hour(s), Day(s)
Family Site:
3 Day(s)
Test Stability
Room Temp:
24 Hour(s)
2–8°C:
72 Hour(s)
Methodology
-
Specimen Type
SST-Serum Separator Tube
Other Type of Specimen Accepted
EDTA Plasma
Delay before pre-treatment
24
Transport temperature
15-25°C
Test stability at room temperature
24 Hour(s)
Test stability at 2–8°C
72 Hour(s)
Haemolysis interference
No
Clinical Interest
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral load is the amount of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA present in the blood.
A high viral load indicates active replication of the virus and ongoing infection. This differentiates between an active infection and an inactive carrier state, where the virus is present but not replicating.
The decision to initiate antiviral treatment is often based on a combination of viral load, liver enzyme levels (ALAT/ASAT) and the stage of liver fibrosis. A high viral load associated with elevated transaminases and/or significant fibrosis often warrants the initiation of treatment.
After initiation of antiviral treatment, the viral load is measured regularly to assess the efficacy of the treatment. A rapid and significant reduction in viral load is a sign of a good response to treatment.
An increase in viral load in a patient undergoing treatment may indicate the emergence of viral resistance to the antiviral treatment, necessitating therapeutic adjustment.
After antiviral treatment has been discontinued, the viral load should be monitored to detect any resumption of viral replication, a sign of a relapse necessitating retreatment.
Clinical Information Required
-
Patient Collection Note
-
LOINC Code
3618-5, 103618-5
Outwork
No