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Lab Test Details


Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total (IgM & IgG)

Updated 12/8/2025
Search TermsAnti-HBc; HBc Ab; Hepatitis B Pre-vaccine screen
How to Order On the Virology/Immunology Test Request Form (OHA0042), in the “Hepatitis” section, check the box for “Hepatitis B Core Antibody.”
AvailabilityAll clients
PerformedDaily on regular business days
Time to ReportingWithin 3 working days after receipt of specimen
CPT Code86704


Specimen Collection Details

CollectionOne 7 ml red top tube or serum separator tube (SST).
If SST tubes are used, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Optimal VolumeBlood: 5 ml; Serum 1.0 ml
Minimum VolumeBlood: 3 ml; Serum 0.5 ml
HandlingAfter blood clots, store specimens at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) pending transport. DO NOT FREEZE WHOLE BLOOD.

If possible remove the serum from the clot as soon as possible. Specimen must be tested within 7 days of collection.

If specimen cannot be tested within 7 days, remove serum from the clot and freeze serum at -20°C. Specimen must be tested within 30 days.
Transport

Package specimens with fully frozen ice packs to maintain refrigerated temperatures during transport.

If serum is frozen, ship with dry ice to maintain frozen temperatures during transport.
Rejection Criteria

Specimens with anticoagulant, visible contamination, cadaver specimens, heat inactivated, and grossly hemolyzed specimens.

Refrigerated specimens not tested within 7 calendar days of specimen collection. Frozen specimens not tested within 30 calendar days of specimen collection.

Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf).

Comments

Original material submitted for testing is retained for 7 calendar days after receipt at the laboratory.

This test is intended for use in the qualitative detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen in human serum. It is intended as an aid in the diagnosis of acute, chronic, or resolved hepatitis B virus infection in conjunction with other laboratory results and clinical information.

This assay is not intended for use in screening blood, plasma, or tissue donors. Assay performance characteristics have not been established for immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients.

This test may not be used for newborn infants in their first 28 days of life (neonates) born to mothers/birth parents who are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or suspected to be HBV-infected. 

Method Details

Methodology
 Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) on the Abbott Diagnostics Alinity i platform
Performance
Specifications

Detailed information about assay performance can be obtained by contacting the manufacturer of the testing platform, Abbott Diagnostics, or on the US Food and Drug Administration website.


Change Log

12/8/2025
Updated Comments
2/19/2025
Updated Rejection Criteria