The use of (DRIED BLOOD SPOT) DBS specimens to test for HBV DNA for diagnosis of HBV viraemia, may be considered in settings where:

• there is a lack of access to sites or nearby laboratory facilities for nucleic acid testing (NAT), or

provision for timely delivery of specimens to a laboratory; or

• there are persons with poor venous access (e.g. in drug treatment

programmes, prisons).