Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health problem.  Effective strategies including prevention through vaccination, improved clinical care and biological monitoring for those infected chronically, are required to control the infection and its expansion.

HBV DNA quantitation in plasma or serum is a standard measure to monitor efficacy or need for initiation of treatment, for persons chronically infected with HBV, since sustainable suppression of HBV replication is one of the end points. 

Improved access to quantitative assays for HBV DNA measurement would be highly effective to inform on the status of infection when used in conjunction with other parameters of HBV infection.