Sign in →

Test Code HBCIGM Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM [LAB549]

Performing Laboratory

UnityPoint Finley Hospital

Test Method

Chemiluminescent μ‑Capture test principle; Roche cobas Pro

Specimen Requirements

  1. Serum is the specimen of choice. Gel tubes are acceptable.
  2. Lithium heparin plasma and EDTA plasma are also acceptable specimen types.
  3. Hepatitis Bc IgM Antibody specimens are stable for 7 days at 2-8°C, and 3 months at -20°C.

Performance

Testing is performed 7 days a week Monday through Sunday. Routine specimen requests are completed the same day received. Stat requests are completed within 4 hours of receipt.

Useful For

Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) is a non-glycosylated protein (p22) which forms the nucleocapsid (virus core) of the hepatitis B virus. Free HBcAg or nonenveloped virus cores are not detectable in serum. IgM antibodies to HBcAg occur in serum during proliferation of active hepatitis B virus and can still be detected weeks to months after viral proliferation has ceased. High anti‑HBc IgM concentrations can be found in acute hepatitis B and in attacks during chronic hepatitis B. Tests for detecting anti‑HBc IgM antibodies are used, in conjunction with HBsAg determinations, to identify acute hepatitis B viral infections.

Reference Values

Nonreactive

 

Reactive results are reported to the Department of Public Health per state reportable guidelines.

 

Related Tests