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HelpTest Code HBR Heterophile Blocking Reagent
Useful For
The Heterophile Blocking Reagent is used as a method of detecting the presence of heterophile antibodies in a patient’s serum or plasma. Samples for a particular analyte are analyzed untreated, then again after treatment with the HBR reagents. If a significant change in analyte concentration is observed versus the original untreated value, then heterophile antibody interference is suspected.
Synonyms/Keywords
HBR, Scantibodies, Heterophile Antibodies
Specimen Requirements
| Fasting Required | Specimen Type | Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Serum/ Plasma | Red Top (RTT) | Lithium-heparin Plasma Separator (PST) Lithium or Sodium-heparin Green Top (GTT) |
1 mL | 0.5 mL |
Collection/Processing Instructions
The analyte of interest must be commented at the time of the Heterophile Blocking Reagent (HBR) request (assay for which interference is suspected); example comment "TSH for HBR studies".
The HBT is for antigen assays only. For antibody detection assays, a non-specific antibody blocking tube should be used.
NOTE: Requests for HBR testing are limited to Endocrinologists with approved access to this test. Any other request must be approved through Interpretive Contact or Technical Manager listed.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Same criteria as assay to be investigated. |
Test Components
The analyte of interest must be commented at the time of the Heterophile Blocking Reagent (HBR) request (assay for which interference is suspected); example comment "TSH for HBR studies".
Test Information
A heterophilic sample is a serum/plasma sample that contains non-specific antibodies which are able to bind to animal antibodies used in some immunoassay test systems. The most common interference effect is a false positive assay result, although false negatives have also been reported. If a physician suspects a test result is falsely increased (or decreased), he/she may request the assay be repeated after treatment with Heterophile Blocking Reagent.
The Heterophile Blocking Reagent is used as a method of detecting the presence of heterophile antibodies in a patient's serum or plasma. Samples for a particular analyte are analyzed untreated, then again after treatment with the HBR reagents. If a significant change in analyte concentration is observed versus the original untreated value, then heterophile antibody interference is suspected.
Interpretations
An interpretation of the HBR study results will be commented under the appropriate result code. In addition, the following comment will be appended to each HBR assay reported: "Results obtained with (Scantibodies) blocking reagents are an estimate, should be used as an adjunct to other data (symptoms, other test results, clinical impressions, etc.), and may not reflect the exact value."
Interpretation only available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Marshfield | See patient report comments for interpretation of results |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Chemistry
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshfield | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Scantibodies Heterophile Blocking Tube Reagent |