Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Virology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
HBYM
Test Code (Numeric Code)
8986
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
A dedicated specimen (i.e. no other tests to be performed) is required for this assay. PPT is the preferred specimen type. Plasma separated from EDTA whole blood, including EDTA Micro collect tubes, are acceptable
Separating
PPT tubes must be centrifuged and separated within 6 hours of collection. EDTA tubes must be centrifuged within 6 hours of collection and the plasma transferred to a separate sterile tube. Send a minimum of 1.0 mL of separated plasma.
Laboratory
Separated plasma samples: should be sent to the Molecular Infectious Diseases section during normal working hours, Monday to Friday (08:00–16:00). After hours and on weekends, store specimens at 2–8°C in the designated box/rack in ALSS.
Sample Stability
PPT tubes with separated plasma are stable at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. If storage exceeds 7 days, plasma should be aliquoted and frozen at ≤−20°C. Plasma aliquots separated from EDTA whole blood are stable at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. If storage exceeds 7 days, aliquots should be frozen at ≤−20°C.
Associated Tests
Synonyms
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Drug Resistance
HBV Antiviral Resistance
HBV Genotyping
Turnaround Time
1 week
Tests performed as required.
Specimen Type
- Plasma
- Serum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- PPT Plasma Preparation Tube (Pale Pink Cap)
Acceptable
- PPT Plasma Preparation Tube (Pale Pink Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
2
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- EDTA (Microtainer)
Acceptable
- EDTA (Microtainer)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
2
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Pre-testing Requirements
A recent viral load result obtained within the past month, with a minimum viral load of 3 log₁₀ IU/mL, is required.
Additional Specimen Information
Urgent enquiries:
In normal working hours (08:00-16:00 Mon-Fri) contact Clinical Virology via LabLINK (internal extension 22000, external number 09 307 8995).
Outside of normal working hours (evenings and weekends) contact the On Call Clinical Microbiologist via Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland main switchboard (09 367 0000).
Non-urgent enquiries:
Email: AK-MOL-INF-DIS@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Last updated: 31/08/2026