Pathlab: Hepatitis B serological testing update

Pathlab has reviewed Hepatitis B serology requesting. Due to the range of serological assays that can be requested for this infection, this can be a potentially confusing area for both requestors and the laboratory receiving the requests. With this in mind, Pathlab has put together some brief guidance, as detailed below.

• In an immunocompetent patient, please request HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) when looking for evidence of Hepatitis B infection. 

• In an immunosuppressed patient, or a patient who will be undergoing immunosuppression, please request HBsAg and anti-HBc (Hepatitis B core antibody) when looking for evidence of Hepatitis B infection. 

• Any non-specific requests such as “Hepatitis B serology”, Hepatitis B status”, “Hepatitis B screen”, etc. will receive HBsAg testing only, unless other tests are specified. 

• Hepatitis B Immunity testing (anti-HBs, Hepatitis B surface antibody) is not publicly funded, except in cases of clear known or potential exposure (e.g. BBFEs, incarceration, household contact). 

Please send any feedback to michael.addidle@pathlab.co.nz.