Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total
Also known as: Anti-HBc, Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen, Core Antibody, HBV
Use
This assay can be used as an aid in the diagnosis of individuals with acute or chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and in the determination of the clinical status of HBV infected individuals in conjunction with other HBV serological markers associated with HBV infection. This assay can also be used as an aid in the differential diagnosis in individuals displaying signs of hepatitis in whom etiology is unknown.
Special Instructions
This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.
Limitations
The results from this or any other diagnostic kit should be used and interpreted only in the context of the overall clinical picture. A negative test result does not exclude the possibility of exposure to hepatitis B virus. Levels of anti-HBc may be undetectable both in early infection and later after infection. This is a qualitative assay; reported antibody level cannot be correlated to an endpoint titer. Assay performance characteristics have not been established for immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients.
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13952-7
- 13952-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Gel-barrier tube, red-top tube or serum transfer tube
Collection Instructions
If tube other than a gel-barrier tube is used, transfer separated serum to a screw-cap polypropylene transport tube. Do not freeze gel-barrier tube (pour off serum first).
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Non-EDTA plasma specimen; PST gel-barrier tube
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |