title: An air sampling technique for hepatitis B surface antigen.
abstract: A filter-rinse technique capable of detecting low levels of airborne hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was devised and evaluated. Laboratory tests showed the procedure to have an efficiency of 22% with a coefficient of variation of 11% and a capability of detecting as little as 5 x 10(-5) ml of aerosolized antigen positive serum in a single air sample. The technique was field-tested in a hemodialysis center serving a patient population with a high prevalence of HBsAg seropositivity. The antigen was not detected in any of 60 air samples collected under conditions favoring the occurrence of aerosols.
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols; D000391:Air Microbiology; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D005374:Filtration; D006268:Health Facilities; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D006435:Renal Dialysis
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens