Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Serum/Plasma (Qualitative Immunoassay)
This test detects antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen in your blood, helping identify past or current hepatitis B infection.
["This test helps determine if you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV)."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 106938-4
- Short code
- HBV core Ab SerPl IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- HBV core Ab SerPl IA-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test looks for antibodies (specifically IgM and IgG) against the hepatitis B core protein. IgM antibodies often appear early in infection and can indicate an active HBV infection, while IgG antibodies may persist longer, suggesting past infection or immunity. This test is qualitative, meaning it provides a yes/no result rather than a precise measurement of antibody levels.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have risk factors for hepatitis B (e.g., travel to high-risk regions, exposure to infected blood, or a history of sexual contact with someone infected). It can also be used during pregnancy to check for infection or to monitor immune response after vaccination.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result means your blood contains antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen. This could indicate you’ve had hepatitis B in the past (IgG antibodies), an ongoing infection (IgM antibodies), or you may have been vaccinated. Your doctor will discuss the next steps based on your clinical situation.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means your blood does not currently contain detectable antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen. This could mean you have never been exposed to HBV or that your immune system hasn’t yet produced detectable antibodies. Follow-up testing may be needed if you have risk factors for infection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Hepatitis B Core Antibody (IgM/IgG)
Frequently asked questions
This test plays a critical role in diagnosing hepatitis B infection, assessing exposure risk, and guiding vaccination decisions. Early detection can help prevent chronic infection, which can lead to serious liver complications. It’s also important for pregnant women to identify infection early to ensure safe delivery and infant protection.
This test uses a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is processed to separate serum or plasma, which is then tested using an immunoassay method to detect antibodies. The result is reported as positive or negative, not a specific quantity of antibodies.
If your test is positive, your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests (such as hepatitis B surface antigen or viral load) to determine the stage of infection and guide treatment or prevention recommendations. They may also check your liver function and recommend follow-up care.
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy