What does a positive hepatitis B core antibody test mean?

Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb or Anti-HBc) – This antibody does not provide any protection or immunity against the hepatitis B virus. A positive or “reactive” test indicates that a person may have been infected with the hepatitis B virus at some point in time.

What is anti-HBc IgG test?

Anti-HBc IgG are interpreted in light of clinic factors and the results of other hepatitis B markers, particularly HBsAg and anti-HBs. A negative anti-HBc IgG result may indicate the absence of a recent or previous HBV infection (negative HBsAg and anti-HBs). However, a developing infection cannot be ruled out.

What does anti-HBc total positive mean?

A positive total anti-HBc result may indicate that the individual has eliminated the virus and is now immune (negative HBsAg/positive anti-HBs) or is in a recovery phase (negative HBsAg and anti-HBs / negative or positive anti-HBc IgM). When combined with a positive HBsAg, an active chronic infection may be suspected.

What is the normal range of hepatitis B viral load?

HBV: Hepatitis B virus. # Normal values: ALT: Males: 10-40 U/L; Females: 7 – 35 U/L; AST: Males: 15 – 40 U/L; Females: 13 – 35 U/L. HBeAg-positive patients had significantly higher ALT levels (mean 170.3 ± 391 IU/L) compared to HBeAg-negative patients (mean 53.9 ± 169.4 IU/L), p < 0.0001 (Table 2).

How do I know if I am immune to hepatitis B?

A hepatitis B surface antibody test is used to check for immunity to HBV. A positive test means you’re immune to hepatitis B. There are two possible reasons for a positive test: you may have been vaccinated, or you may have recovered from an acute HBV infection and are no longer contagious.

What is hepatitis B core antibody (hbcab)?

Learn more. The hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) is produced by your immune system after infection by the hepatitis B virus, and it can persist for life. It is a sign that you either have an new, active (acute) hepatitis B infection or that you acquired hepatitis B in the past.

What does a positive hbcab test mean?

A positive HBcAb test must be interpreted with the results of the other tests. You may have an active or chronic infection, or you may be immune to hepatitis B due to past infection. Discuss the results with your doctor. In any case, a positive HBcAb test means your blood or organs must not be given to a recipient. 3 

What is the difference between hbcab IgG and IgM?

The IgM antibody is produced early in the infection, so it shows that you may have a current, active infection. Sometimes it persists for years, but it usually drops to undetectable levels. The HBcAb IgG variant is produced later in the course of the infection, and it’s likely that you will have a positive HBcAb IgG test the rest of your life.

How to bind anti-HBc antibodies to the HBcAg coated microparticles?

Anti-HBc antibodies present in the sample binds to the HBcAg coated microparticles. In the second step, anti-human IgG and IgM acridinium-labeled conjugate is added, which binds to IgG and IgM anti-HBc. Then pre-trigger and trigger solutions are added to the reaction mixture.