When is IHLA needed?
The format catches low concentrations of antigen (early phase, mutant variants, “latent” infection) and allows you to track the dynamics in numbers - important when monitoring chronic hepatitis B and assessing the response to treatment. Hepatologists prefer it to questionable ELISA results and in high-risk groups. For routine admission to surgery, the screening option (next page) is sufficient.
When is it appointed?
- mandatory block before operations and hospitalization;
- screening after high-risk exposures and procedures;
- elevated ALT/AST – exclusion of viral hepatitis;
- observation of chronic hepatitis;
- pregnancy, donation, medical examinations.
ELISA and IHLA: what is the difference
Both methods look for the same markers, but in different ways: ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is a decades-tested and more accessible format, completely sufficient for routine screening before operations and medical examinations; CHLA (chemiluminescent immunoassay) is performed on closed automatic platforms, has a higher analytical sensitivity and gives a quantitative/semi-quantitative result - preferable for controversial “gray zone” values, in patients at risk, before starting therapy and during follow-up. The choice of format will be prompted by the doctor: screening is sufficient for admission to surgery, and ICL for diagnosis and observation.
