Hepatitis D – Serology

Limitations

Haemolysed, icteric, lipemic or microbially contaminated sera or plasma are not recommended for testing.

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Centrifuge if using SST. Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHOL on ice packs.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

Hepatitis D serology testing is a referred out test and is performed at the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) in Winnipeg for HBsAg positive specimens. 

Turnaround time is up to 14 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.

This test is performed on HBsAg positive samples. If HBsAg status is not indicated on the requisition, HBsAg will be tested at PHOL using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA).

Hepatitis D antibody is detected using an Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) at NML.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.