Hepatitis D Antibodies, Total (Sendout)

Useful for:

• Detection of hepatitis D virus (HDV)-specific total antibodies (combined IgG and IgM) in human serum
• Diagnosis of concurrent HDV infection in patients with fulminant acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (acute coinfection), chronic HBV infection (chronic coinfection), or acute exacerbation of known chronic HBV infection (HDV superinfection)

Reference Values: Negative

Interpretation:

This assay detects the presence of hepatitis D virus (HDV)-specific total (combined IgG and IgM) antibodies in serum.

Negative results indicate the absence of HDV infection and no past exposure to HDV.

Equivocal results indicate borderline level of anti-HDV total antibodies. Repeat testing in 1 to 2 weeks is recommended to determine the definitive HDV infection status.

Positive results usually indicate one of the following conditions: 1) simultaneous acute or chronic coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HDV, 2) acute HDV infection in patients with known chronic HBV infection (ie, HDV superinfection), or 3) resolved HDV infection. Results should be correlated with medical history and clinical findings.

Cautions:

Negative results may not rule-out hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection during the early phase of infection or in immunocompromised patients who have delayed or inadequate immune response.

False-positive results may be due to cross-reactive antibodies from other viral infection or underlying illnesses. Positive result should be correlated with the patient's clinical history, physical examination findings, and risk factors for HDV infection.

Performance characteristics have not been established for the following specimen characteristics:

• Grossly icteric (total bilirubin level of >20 mg/dL)
• Grossly lipemic (triolein level of >3000 mg/dL)
• Grossly hemolyzed (hemoglobin level of >500 mg/dL)
• Containing particulate matter
• Cadaveric specimens

Outside Laboratories: Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial within 2 hours of collection. Freeze serum at -20°C while awaiting shipment. Transport samples on dry ice.

Stability: Frozen (preferred): 30 days; Refrigerated: 30 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus.

Centrifuge and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial within 2 hours of collection. Freeze serum at -20°C.

Sendouts:

• Order Mayo Test: AHDV.
• Interfaced: Yes.

Stability: Frozen (preferred): 30 days; Refrigerated: 30 days; Ambient: Unacceptable.

Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus.