In simple words: This test measures the amount of hepatitis B virus in your blood.It uses a special technique to make many copies of the virus's genetic material (DNA or RNA) so it's easier to detect and measure. This helps doctors track the infection and see how well treatment is working.

The lab analyst performs a test to quantify infection with hepatitis B virus using nucleic acid probe technique. Hepatitis B virus, HBV, may cause acute or chronic liver disease.The lab analyst processes the specimen from a direct source, typically serum or plasma, and performs amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), that results in a millionfold increase in the number of copies of a specific target nucleic acid sequence. The lab analyst then assesses how many microorganisms are present by evaluating the amplified nucleic acid sequences that indicate the presence of hepatitis B virus using a nucleic acid probe. This probe is a fabricated single-strand sequence of DNA or RNA used to join with the complementary sequence in the specimen through hybridization. The nucleic acid probe includes a label, such as a radioactive or chemical tag, that allows the lab analyst to visualize and quantify the hybridization product.

Example 1: A patient with chronic hepatitis B is undergoing antiviral treatment. This test is used to monitor the viral load and assess the treatment's effectiveness., A patient presents with symptoms of acute hepatitis.This test is used to confirm the diagnosis and quantify the initial viral load., A pregnant woman is tested for hepatitis B to determine the risk of transmission to her baby.

Documentation should include the reason for testing, the specimen source, and the date of collection.

** Some payers may pay separately for specimen collection (e.g., 36415). Distinguish this code from 87516 (amplified probe technique) and tests for hepatitis B antibodies (86704-86707).