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HelpTest Code LABHPBCT Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total, Serum
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| HEP B CORE TOTAL ABY | LABHPBCT | HPBCT |
Useful For/Utility
Diagnosis of recent or past hepatitis B infection
Determination of occult hepatitis B infection in otherwise healthy hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers with negative test results for hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis B surface, anti-hepatitis B core IgM, hepatitis Be antigen, and anti-HBe.
This assay is not useful for differentiating among acute, chronic, and past or resolved hepatitis B infection.
Methodology
Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)
Clinical Information
Hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc Ab) appear shortly after the onset of symptoms of hepatitis B infection and soon after the appearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Initially, anti-HBc Ab consist almost entirely of the IgM class, followed by appearance of anti-HBc IgG, for which there is no commercial diagnostic assay.
The anti-HBc total antibodies test, which detects both IgM and IgG antibodies, and the test for anti-HBc IgM antibodies may be the only markers of a recent hepatitis B infection detectable in the "window period." The window period begins with the clearance of HBsAg and ends with the appearance of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs Ab). Anti-HBc total Ab may be the only serologic marker remaining years after exposure to hepatitis B.
This assay is FDA-approved for in vitro diagnostic use and not for screening cell, tissue, and blood donors.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Red top or serum gel
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of draw.
Additional Information: Grossly hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate 5 days/Frozen OK/Ambient 8 hours OK
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Chemistry-
Fargo Hospital Lab
SMDC Clinical Lab (Duluth)
Test Classification and CPT Coding
86704
Reference Values
Non-reactive
See Hepatitis Reflex Testing—SMDC Clinical Laboratory in Special Instructions.