Hepatitis B Core Total Antibodies (HBc)
Gender for Male, Female
Report Tat
3 Hrs same Day
No special preparati...
Sample Type
Serum
Test Overview
Hepatitis B Core Total Antibodies (HBc) Test
The Hepatitis B Core Total Antibodies (HBc) Test detects Hepatitis B Core Total Antibodies (HBc). The immune system produces these antibodies upon recognising the core component of the virus. The core component is a structural piece found in the virus, and the antibodies fighting against it are called HBc antibodies. There are two main kinds of HBc antibodies: IgM and IgG. IgM antibodies show up early in Hepatitis B infection, usually during the beginning.
Labs
Doctors
timely reporting
of Tests
Test Details
Frequently asked questions
HBc antibodies indicate exposure to the Hepatitis B virus, helping assess past or current infections and guide appropriate medical interventions.
No, HBc antibodies do not confer immunity; they are markers of exposure and the body's immune response to the virus.
HBc antibodies, when considered alongside HBsAg and anti-HBs, assist in categorising different phases of HBV infection, aiding in tailored patient management.
Anti-HBc (total): Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen is a nonspecific marker of acute, chronic, or resolved HBV infection. It is not a marker of vaccine-induced immunity. It may be used in pre-vaccination testing to determine previous exposure to HBV infection.
Individuals with a history of intravenous drug use, healthcare workers, persons imprisoned, and those residing in regions with elevated HBV prevalence should consider HBc antibody testing.
Yes, HBc antibodies may persist even after the resolution of the infection, providing a historical marker of past exposure.
Frequency depends on risk factors, but individuals at higher risk may undergo periodic testing as part of comprehensive healthcare monitoring.
Yes, the information obtained from HBc antibody testing can guide decisions on vaccination for susceptible individuals and monitoring for potential reactivation.
While not specific to acute or chronic phases, the presence and timing of HBc antibodies contribute to understanding the progression of the infection.
No, HBc antibody testing is most effective when combined with other serological markers for Hepatitis B, providing a comprehensive picture of the individual's infection status.