[Separation and stability of australia antigen in human plasma fractions (author's transl)]

Commercially-produced human plasma protein fractions were investigated by a radio-immunological method for their content of Australia antigen (HBsAg). Albumin and gamma globulin solutions in which this antigen was present, were fractionated by isoelectric focussing and gel filtration on Sepharose 4 B. Characterization as to size and electrical charge of the HBsAs was carried out on these preparations. Inactivation studies were performed at different temperatures and concentrations to clarify the question of heat stability of HBsAg in plasma derivates. The importance of additional test methods is discussed.