Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total ( HBcAb- Total ) - Quantitative ELISA
Also Known As
Test Parameters Included
- Serum Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total Concentration (IU/mL) — quantitative result by ELISA
- Pathologist Immunology Remark — interpreted against WHO standard reference intervals for HBV exposure status
Department
Methodology
Sample Required
Preparation
Schedule Report
24 Hours
Emergency Report
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total detect?
It detects both IgM and IgG antibodies against the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), indicating past or present HBV infection regardless of vaccination status since the vaccine contains only surface antigen.
Is fasting required for this test?
No, fasting is not required. The HBcAb-Total test can be performed on a non-fasting sample.
What does a positive HBcAb-Total result mean?
A positive result indicates exposure to hepatitis B virus at some point — either a current infection or a resolved past infection. It cannot distinguish between acute and chronic infection alone; additional markers like HBsAg and anti-HBc IgM are needed.
Can vaccinated people test positive for HBcAb-Total?
No. The hepatitis B vaccine contains only recombinant HBsAg (surface antigen), so vaccinated individuals will have positive anti-HBs but negative HBcAb-Total. A positive HBcAb-Total confirms natural infection exposure.
How is the quantitative result interpreted?
Results are reported in IU/mL with a cutoff (typically ≥1.0 IU/mL considered positive). Higher titres suggest established immune response from prior infection, while the quantitative value helps differentiate true positives from equivocal reactive samples.
How to access the report?
Verified PDF report is available within 24 hours via www.drpatholab.in or through WhatsApp and email on the day of collection.
Test Description
Test Code
H24
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