Hepatitis B Core Antibody (IgG) – Serum
This test detects antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen in your blood, which may indicate 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
- 13919-6
- Short code
- HBV core IgG Ser IA-aCnc
- Synonyms
- HBV core IgG Ser 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
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 hepatitis B core antibodies (IgG), which are proteins your immune system produces in response to the hepatitis B virus. IgG antibodies can remain in your blood long after the initial infection has cleared, indicating immunity or past exposure. This test is part of screening for hepatitis B infection, often used alongside other markers like surface antibodies and viral DNA levels.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have risk factors for hepatitis B, such as traveling to areas with high HBV prevalence, having unprotected sex with multiple partners, receiving blood transfusions before modern screening, or being in a high-risk occupation (e.g., healthcare worker). It may also be used during pregnancy to check for infection or to monitor chronic hepatitis B in people who already have the virus.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result for hepatitis B core antibodies (IgG) suggests you have been infected with the hepatitis B virus at some point. This does not necessarily mean you are currently infected; the antibodies may indicate immunity from a past infection. However, you should still be tested for other markers (like hepatitis B surface antibodies or viral DNA) to confirm immunity or ongoing infection.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means your blood test did not detect hepatitis B core antibodies (IgG) at this time. This does not guarantee you are not infected; other tests may be needed to rule out current or recent infection. If you have risk factors, follow-up testing may be recommended.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Hep B Core Antibody IgG
Frequently asked questions
This test is critical for diagnosing past hepatitis B infection, which can provide protection against future infection. It helps healthcare providers assess exposure history, guide vaccination decisions, and monitor chronic hepatitis B in those already infected. While IgG antibodies alone do not indicate active infection, they are useful in conjunction with other tests to determine immune status.
If you have risk factors for hepatitis B, your healthcare provider may recommend this test as part of routine screening, especially if you are pregnant, have a history of blood exposure, or live in an area with high HBV prevalence. Follow their guidance for frequency based on your specific situation.
A positive hepatitis B core antibody (IgG) result can occur even if you don’t recall exposure. The virus can be transmitted silently, and some people may not experience symptoms. Further testing, such as hepatitis B surface antibodies or viral DNA, may be needed to confirm immunity or ongoing infection.
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