Hepatitis B Virus Core Antibodies (Total)
Also known as: HBCAB
Use
This test is primarily used to determine exposure to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. It helps in assessing which patients may be at risk for HBV reactivation, especially those who might benefit from prophylactic nucleoside analog treatment before initiating immunosuppression therapy. It detects IgG and IgM antibodies against the HBV core antigen, although it does not differentiate between them.
Special Instructions
The test is recommended for determining the risk of HBV reactivation, particularly before the onset of immunosuppressive treatments. It is not meant for blood donor screening, reentry protocols, or screening human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/P).
Limitations
This assay should not be used for blood donor screening or associated reentry protocols. It is not suitable for screening human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/P). The test detects total core antibodies, without distinction between IgG and IgM, which may affect interpretation in certain clinical scenarios, like differentiating between acute and chronic infection.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13952-7
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Serum separator tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer to an ARUP standard transport tube.
Causes for Rejection
Heparinized plasma, particulate material, heat-inactivated, severely hemolyzed, or lipemic specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | Indefinitely (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles) |