Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Qualitative (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen, which can help identify past or current hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
["This test helps determine if you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B virus, even if you don’t have active symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24113-3
- Short code
- HBV core IgM SerPl Ql IA
- Synonyms
- HBV core IgM SerPl Ql IA
- 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 This Test Measures
The test looks for hepatitis B core antibodies (IgG), which develop after your body has encountered the hepatitis B virus. These antibodies can stay in your system for years, indicating past infection. This test is qualitative, meaning it only tells you if antibodies are present or not, rather than measuring their exact amount.
Why It Matters for Your Health
Finding hepatitis B core antibodies can help doctors assess your risk for chronic hepatitis B or guide vaccination decisions. It’s particularly useful for people who’ve had close contact with someone infected or those traveling to regions with higher HBV prevalence.
How the Test Works
Your blood sample is tested using an immunoassay method to detect the presence of hepatitis B core antibodies. The result is either positive (antibodies present) or negative (antibodies absent). This test does not measure active viral replication or liver damage.
When You Might Need This Test
You may need this test if you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B, have risk factors (like multiple sexual partners, injection drug use, or healthcare exposure), or if you’re being evaluated for vaccination status. It’s also used in screening for chronic HBV infection in certain populations.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Hepatitis B Core Antibody (IgG) Test
Frequently asked questions
If your test is positive for hepatitis B core antibodies, it suggests you’ve been infected with hepatitis B at some point, even if you’re not currently showing symptoms. This doesn’t mean you’re contagious today, but it indicates immunity or past immunity. A positive result may prompt further testing for hepatitis B surface antibodies or viral load to assess chronic infection risk.
A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found in your sample, so this test cannot confirm or rule out past infection. You may need additional tests or a follow-up if you have risk factors for hepatitis B.
How long after exposure might this test show antibodies?
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