Abstract: | The passive hemagglutination test (Sero-Test CCB) for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been developed. The comparative study of the sensitivity of Sero-Test CCB, the passive hemagglutination test Hepanostikon (developed by Organon, the Netherlands) and the radioimmunoassay (with the use of an experimental assay kit provided by the Institute of Vaccines in Dessau, GDR) has been carried out by the determination of HBsAg in 100 coded sera from viral hepatitis patients and hepatitis virus carriers. Both passive hemagglutination tests (Sero-Test CCB and Hepanostikon) have yielded coinciding results (r = 0.90). The sensitivity of Sero-Test CCB has been found to exceed that achieved with the use of electrophoretic techniques 30-150 times, though it is 8 times lower than the sensitivity of the radioimmunoassay. The test kits Sero-Test CCB HBsAg are used for the examination of donor blood and for the survey of groups of persons subjected to a high risk of contacting hepatitis B infection in hemodialysis and transplantation centers, surgical wards, etc. |