Longitudinal evaluation of the radioimmunological (RIA) determination of HB Ag in viral hepatitis
Franco, E.; Schiano, G.; Giorgetta, P.; De-Bac, C.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 50(15): 1176-1179
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 4218487 Document Number: 71756
From Oct. 1972-Jan. 1974, RIA method was used to determine Australia antigen (HbAg) in the serum of 342 patients with acute hepatitis and jaundice, using guinea-pig anti-HbAg antibody labeled with 125I. HbAg was also investigated by immunodiffusion (ID). Bilirubin and transaminase were also determined. Of the 342 cases, 138 (40%) were + became normal after 52 days. In some cases (21%) RIA became negative after > 2 mo., at which time 29% had abnormal bilirubin and 22% abnormal transaminase. This emphasizes the value of RIA as a diagnostic tool, particularly for indicating chronic virus infection when accompanied by a + ID.