DIAKEY HBsAg ELISA

INTENDED USE : Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for qualitative determination of Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) in human serum or plasma

INTRODUCTION

In 1965, Dr. Blumberg who was studying hemophilia, found an antibody in two patients which reacted against an antigen from an Australian Aborigine. Later the antigen was found in patients with serum type hepatitis and was initially designated "Australian Antigen". Subsequent study has shown the Australian Antigen to be the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Initially there appeared to be three particles associated with hepatitis B infection: a large "complete" particle called the "Dane particle", an oblong 42nm particle and a small circular 22nm particle. Further research identified the Dane particle as the hepatitis B virion and the other two particles as excess surface protein. This former terminology is no longer used and the virus is referred to according to its structure. HBsAg presents an antigenic heterogeneity. The principle determinant is called “a” and is common to all the different types of HBsAg. There are two other pairs of major determinants that is d/y (1y, 2y, 3y) and w/r which are mutually exclusive. Therefore the following combinations are possible adw, adr, ayw, ayr. Subsequent association with hepatitis B virus (HBV) led to the development of sensitive, specific markers of HBV infection. During acute and chronic HBV infection, HBsAg is produced in excess amounts, circulating in blood as both 22nm spherical and tubular particles. HBsAg can be identified in serum 30~60 days after exposure to HBV and persists for variable periods depending on the resolution of the infection. Antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) develops after a resolved infection and is responsible for long-term immunity. Anti-HBc develops in both resolved acute infections and chronic HBV infections and persists indefinitely. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-HBc appears early in infection and persists for greater than or equal to 6 month. It is a reliable marker of acute HBV infection.

PRINCIPLE OF THE ASSAY

Assay for hepatitis B virus sur face antigen (HBsAg) in human serum or plasma, is extremely important in the diagnosis of hepatitis B viral infection (HBV). HBsAg appears in the patient's blood from 4 to 12 weeks on average after infection and precedes onset of clinical symptoms of hepatitis. Transmission of HBV occurs via percutaneous or permucosal routes and infective blood or body fluids can be introduced at birth, through sexual contact or by contaminated needles. Infection can also occur in settings of continuous close personal contact (such as in households or among persons in institutions for the developmentally disables), presumably via inapparent or unnoticed contact of infective secretions with skin lesions or mucosal sur faces.

The Kit is based on the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

HANDLING PRECAUTION

• Do not use mixed reagents from different lots.
• Do not use reagents beyond the expiration date.
• Use distilled water stored in clean container.
• Use an individual disposable tip for each sample and reagent, to prevent the possible cross-contamination among the samples.
• Rapidly dispense reagents during the assay, not to let wells dry out.

USE PRECAUTION

• Wear disposable globes while handling the kit reagents and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
• Do not pipette by mouth.
• Do not smoke, eat or drink in areas where specimens or kit reagents are handle.
• Handle samples, reagents and loboratory equipments used for assy with extreme care, as they may potentially contain infectious agents.
• When samples or reagents happen to be spilt, wash carefully with a 1% sodium hypochlorite solution.
• Dispose of this cleaning liquid and also such used washing cloth or tissue paper with care, as they may also contain infectious agents.
• Avoid microbial contamination when the reagent vial be eventually opend or the contents be handled.
• Use only for IN VITRO.