Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Immunoassay (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen, which can help identify past or current hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
["Helps diagnose or monitor hepatitis B infection by detecting immune system response to the virus."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10673-2
- Short code
- HBV core Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Synonyms
- HBV core Ag Tiss Ql ImStn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- immune-stain
- 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 This Test Measures
The test looks for **IgM antibodies** against the hepatitis B core antigen. IgM antibodies typically appear early in infection and can indicate an active HBV infection. This marker is less common after recovery or chronic infection.
Why It Matters in Diagnosis
Detecting IgM antibodies helps distinguish between acute HBV infection (new or recent exposure) and chronic infection. It’s often used alongside other tests like hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to confirm or rule out active viral replication.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is processed into serum or plasma for testing. This test is performed on the serum/plasma portion of the blood.
Common Uses and When to Test
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of hepatitis (e.g., fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain), have risk factors for HBV (e.g., unprotected sex, travel to high-risk regions, tattoos/injections), or during routine screening (e.g., pregnant women, close contacts of infected individuals).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive IgM antibodies suggest an acute HBV infection, meaning the virus is actively replicating and may require medical evaluation or treatment. While IgM levels often decline after recovery, they can persist in some cases. Chronic HBV infection (long-term virus presence) is usually diagnosed with other markers like HBsAg and HBV DNA testing.
Short name
Hepatitis B Core Antibody (IgM)
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
What If My Test Result Is Negative?
How Often Should I Get Retested?
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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy