An air sampling technique for hepatitis B surface antigen

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.