Bibliographic information
Recommendation
In settings or populations with an HBsAg seroprevalence of ≥0.4%, a single serological assay for detection of HBsAg is recommended, prior to further evaluation for HBV DNA and staging of liver disease. In settings or populations with a low HBsAg seroprevalence of <0.4%, confirmation of HBsAg positivity on the same immunoassay with a neutralization step or a second different rapid diagnostic test (RDT) assay for detection of HBsAg may be considered.
Recommended in favor
Conditional
Certainty of evidence
Low
Notes and Remarks
d Based on the results of predictive modelling of positive predictive values according to different thresholds of seroprevalence in populations to be tested and assay diagnostic performance. e A repeat HBsAg assay after six months is also a common approach used to confirm the chronicity of HBV infection.
Also Featured In
This recommendation also appears in the following guidelines:
WHO guidelines on hepatitis B and C testing.