Comparison of viral hepatitis marker test methods based on AABB-CAP survey data.

Results on samples tested for HBsAg by third generation methods in laboratories participating in the AABB-CAP Viral Hepatitis Marker Survey show considerable variation in the reactivity of these methods. The RIA and ELIA systems are more sensitive in detecting weakly reactive samples than the RPHA and the LatexTG methods. All of the methods are relatively specific. Results of tests for other viral hepatitis markers indicate that these methods have good sensitivity and specificity.