Researchers from Belgium reported a method of testing oral fluids for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The collection of oral fluid is, in comparison with needle sticks used for blood tests, less invasive, less painful, and less expensive. Serum and oral fluid samples were collected and tested in 43 HBsAg positive and 73 HBsAg negative patients. The detection of HBsAg in oral fluid was carried out using a modified ETI-MAK-4 ELISA. The validation of this oral fluid test gave a sensitivity and specificity of 90.7% and 100%, respectively. J. of Medical Virology, (Sept. 2005).

BInformed, Fall 2005.