Hepatitis B Core Ab (+/-), Total
Fasting Required: No

Specimen: Blood

Results: 5-7 Business Days

Description:
Can be used to help detect acute and chronic HBV infections; the IgM antibody is the first antibody produced after infection with HBV; IgG antibody is produced in response to the core antigen later in the course of the infection and usually persists for life.

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Limitations
Results obtained from immunosuppressed patients should be interpreted with caution. Patients receiving mouse antibody therapy may produce false-negative results. False-positives may be detected shortly after immunication to influenza and with patients with hypergammalobulinemia, positive rheumatoid factor, and connective tissue disorders.

Clinical Significance
This assay does not distinguish between Total B core antibody IgG and IgM detected before or at the onset of symptoms; however, such reactivity can persist for years after illness, and may even outlast anti-HBs. Occasionally Hepatitis B core antibody may be the only marker of either current or past Hepatitis B infection.

Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.

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