Hepatitis B Virus Core Total Antibodies, Serum
Use
The Hepatitis B Virus Core Total Antibodies test is used for the diagnosis of recent or past hepatitis B infections. It is also employed in the determination of occult hepatitis B in otherwise healthy hepatitis B virus carriers who test negative for HBs antigen, anti-HBs, anti-HB core IgM, HBe antigen, and anti-HBe. The test measures both IgM and IgG antibodies to provide a comprehensive profile and is important in identifying the 'window period' when other markers have cleared but before appearance of anti-HBs. It serves to indicate exposure to hepatitis B virus and aids in the diagnosis of acute, chronic, or past resolved infections.
Special Instructions
This test should not be used as a screening or confirmatory test for blood donor specimens. It is also not recommended for screening asymptomatic non-pregnant individuals without risk factors for HBV, and should not be used for pregnant individuals. Instead, the reflex alternatives such as CORAB / Hepatitis B Virus Core Total Antibodies with Reflex to Hepatitis B Virus Core Antibody IgM test are advisable for more specific needs.
Limitations
The assay is US FDA-approved for in vitro diagnostic use only and not recommended for screening of blood, plasma, and tissue donors. Biotin interference is possible, and patients should discontinue high-dose biotin supplements prior to testing to avoid false-positive results. The assay might not detect all infected individuals, and a nonreactive result does not exclude the possibility of exposure to the virus. False positives may occur in the presence of other viral infections or due to antibodies targeting assay components.
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
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge per manufacturer's instructions and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For 24 hours before collection, patient should not take multivitamins or supplements containing biotin.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, lipemia, icterus, heat-inactivation
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |