Hi everyone,

This

"HBV DNA PCR8369 Status: RESULTED Priority: ROUTINE
Date Collected: 04/05/2013 08:45a
HEPA B- IU <20 NORMAL <20 IU/mL
Not Detected

HEPA B- COPIES <116 NORMAL <116
INFCE Result Units: copies/mL
Not Detected
Please note:
Due to character limitations of some clients' LIS
systems, viral load values greater than 10 million are
reported using scientific exponential notation.
For example a result of 10 Million (10,000,000) is
reported as 10.0E6 IU/mL or copies/mL. If your LIS
will accept the number of characters required for
viral loads greater than 10 million, please contact
your local service representative to have this
reporting convention changed.
The method used in this test is Real-Time PCR of
the pre-core region of the circular HBV genome.
This test was performed using the COBAS(R) AmpliPrep/
COBAS(R) TaqMan(R) HBV Test, v2.0 (Roche Molecular
Systems, Inc.)"

is the result. So it looks like the e Ag was a false positive.

On a somewhat related note, this episode has me thinking about hepatitis B. Regarding immunization, my understanding is, for all practical purposes, you get three shots and then forget it. The literature seems to say that detectable titers will disappear about seven or eight years after the immunizations. But, except for the specific instance of a needlestick, I don't see any specific recommendations for routine testing/reimmunization/booster/etc.

I'm thinking of myself, it has been about 26 years since I received hepatitis B immunizations. I'm in a fairly low risk setting, office practice only.

Any thoughts?

Thanks. Gene.




Gene Nallin MD solo family practice with one PA Cumberland, Md