Hepatitis B Virus Core Total Antibodies Screen, Serum
Use
The test is crucial for diagnosing recent or past hepatitis B infection. It helps in determining occult hepatitis B in otherwise healthy carriers of the hepatitis B virus who present negative test results for other hepatitis B markers such as HBs antigen and anti-HBs. It's instrumental in identifying the 'window period' of HBV infection, which is after the HBsAg clearance and before the appearance of anti-HBs, as it might be the only serological marker left years after HBV exposure. However, it's not useful for differentiating between acute, chronic, past, or resolved hepatitis B.
Special Instructions
This test should be used to screen asymptomatic, nonpregnant individuals, irrespective of risk factors for hepatitis B infection. It is not meant for screening or confirming blood donor specimens. Avoid using it for symptomatic individuals or pregnant patients, as other tests are recommended in such scenarios. Date of collection is required when processing the specimen.
Limitations
The assay is not licensed for screening of blood, plasma, and tissue donors and is not useful in differentiating between different states of hepatitis B (acute, chronic, past, resolved). Results should be interpreted along with the patient's history and other findings. Interference can occur from biotin intake, sodium azide presence, and high antibody titers, among others, potentially leading to false results. Assay performance has not been established for patients under 21, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13952-7
- 13952-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.7 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Serum gel (red-top tubes are not acceptable), Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions and aliquot serum into a plastic vial within 2 hours. Avoid multivitamins or supplements containing biotin 24 hours prior to blood collection.
Patient Preparation
Patient should avoid multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin for at least 24 hours before specimen collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |