Test Code HBCTT Hepatitis B Core Total Antibodies, Serum [LAB1242]
Test Method
Chemiluminescent competitive immunoassay; Roche cobas Pro
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
During an infection with the hepatitis B virus, antibodies to HBcAg are generally formed, which often persist for life. Anti‑HBc appears shortly after onset of infection with hepatitis B virus and can usually be detected in serum soon after the appearance of HBsAg. Anti‑HBc antibodies persist both in persons who have recovered from a hepatitis B infection and in those who develop HBsAg-carrier status. Accordingly, they are an indicator of existing or past hepatitis B infection.
Reference Values
Nonreactive
Performing Laboratory
UnityPoint The Finley Hospital
Specimen Requirements
- Serum is the specimen of choice. Gel tubes are acceptable.
- Lithium heparin plasma and EDTA plasma are also acceptable specimen types.
- Refrigerate specimens if they cannot be assayed immediately.
- Hepatitis Bc Total Antibody specimens are stable for 5 days at 2-8°C, and 2 months at -20°C.