Sending Blood Sample Abroad for HBV tests

Hello Everyone. Please just need some information.My doctor wants to send my blood samples abroad for Hbsag quantity test as this test s not currently being done in Nigeria where i reside, and he mentioned sending to the Uk, but i am well aware theres no provision at the moment in the Uk for this test. I want to give him other options of where to send my samples to, on my next visit.    Please can anyone give me reliable contacts of labs where my samples can be sent.

[stef2011]

we posted an indian lab network accepting sample sent by courriers, UK and US are the less updated countries on hbv so i d not send there unless you have connections with research centers using it

india, germany, italy and france are the most updated for this, india is probably the cheapest with best quality

[joc2011]

Many thanks Stef. I have now contacted SUPRATECH MICROPATH LABORATORY in India and i got this reply:

Gud morning,
Thank you for your enquiry.
We need some clarifications.
Which country do you belong to?
We need to know  this to understand the logistics of the sample delivery.
We provide the complete range in the Hbs Ag testing and will need more clinical clarifications.

This was my answer:

Many thanks Raju,
1. I come from Nigeria.
2. The quantitative HBSAG testing is what i require.
3. I have already done most other tests: Below are the results:
HBSAG: Positive
HBSAB: Negative
HBVDNA: Undetectable
HBeAG: Negative
HBeAB: Positive
Genotype: D
My Doctor requires the HBSAG quantitative testing to help in monitoring my current treatment and to make some clinical decisions.

[veteranB]

Here in the US the so called "research" labs that have this test want 800ml of blood in exchange for the test. Sending it to India is also not that easy. Need to find a doctor that will write a prescription to draw blood. Simpler to drive to Mexico if one lives close to the border and get it done, where it is not a research test.

It is insane what is going. We have to deal with loons doctors that want to prescribe etv and tdf for life and do biopsies left and right, then they loose interest in a patient. Especially if you ask to many questions. So in that aspect it is like in Nigeria only costs 100 times more.

I am surprised about the UK that they too don't have this test.

[calebz]

Had my HBSAG quant done in some lab in switzerland - but since its a part of clinical trial I don't know how to reach them over private channels.

[joc2011]

Well...... Contacted the india lab and got this answer. Not encouraging!

Dear Madam.
We are doing HsAg by ECLIA method. This is a screening tool and hence quatification is not required.If you need the quantification to be done then HBV Viral load will be a better parameter. This will give the exact no of the virus in the body.
Regds
RAJU PAREKH
SUPRATECH MICROPATH LABORATORY
AHMEDABAD ,
INDIA
TEL-0091-079-26408181
FAX-0091-079-26409292
www.supratechmicropath.com


Spoke again to my doctor this morning. He is referring me to a gastroenthologist in Lagos, Nigeria whose clinic has an agreement with a lab in europe, that does the HBSAG quantitative test for his private patients. So i am going to see this doctor to get this test done in 3 days time. Will keep you all updated

[joc2011]

Dear All. Good news. I have found a place to have my HBSAG quantity test done in nigeria. Will be doing it tomorrow. Will update you all with results.

[joc2011]

Hd my HBSAG quantity test done 2 days ago. Results out next week as they have to send the samples to India. Will keep u posted.

[zara81]

Hey joc cud u send address of the lab u did hsag quantification in naija? I do mine in a lab in dubai when i travel for my annual checkup.it wud be nice to get it done @ home as it will save cost..did u also get the genotype test done in naija?

[joc2011]

No i didnt actually do a genotype test. I forgot to request this additional test. Will do so on my next visit.