HBV DNA (quantitative)

*Whole Blood* Store whole blood at 2–25°C for no longer than 24 hours. Separate plasma from whole blood within 1 day of collection. Whole blood must be transported at 2-25°C and centrifuged within 1 day of collection. *Plasma specimens* Plasma specimens may be stored at room temperature (25-30°C) for up to 3 days, at 2-8°C for up to 7 days or frozen at –20°C to –80°C for at least six weeks. Plasma specimens may be frozen and thawed up to five times without a loss of HBV DNA. Plasma may be transported at 2-8°C or frozen at –20°C to –80°C. _Samples sent by post or by courier must be appropriately labelled and packaged in leak-proof plastic containers in accordance with Post Office regulations. Frozen sera must be similarly packaged and shipped in dry ice. All costs must be met by the sender._