Test Directory

• Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM (HbcAB, IgM)
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HbsAg)
• HCV Ab (HCV)
• Hepatitis A Virus Antibody IgM (HAV Ab, IgM)

Reflexed when appropriate:

• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Neutralization/Confirmation
• HCV PCR

Specimen Type: Serum

Alternate Specimen Type: Plasma

Preferred Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA) 

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Separator

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 3.3 mL

Separator tubes: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Separate serum from cells as soon as the clot has formed (30 minutes). If specimen is centrifuged before clotting is complete, a fibrin clot will form on top of the cell. This may cause the gel barrier to not be intact and could cause improper separation of serum and cells, possibly affecting test results.

Tubes with anticoagulant: To ensure accurate test results, all tubes containing an anticoagulant or preservative must be allowed to fill completely. Attempts to force more blood into the tube by exerting pressure, as in collection with a syringe, will result in damage to the red cells (hemolysis).

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.