Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
Hepatitis B Core antibody (IgG + IgM)
The hepatitis B core (HBcAb) test provides results for hepatitis B antibodies utilizing a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) testing method.
Analyte(s)
Hepatitis B core antibody (IgG + IgM)
Test Code
0320
Testing Location
Testing Department
Serology
Pre-approval Required?
None
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
(not needed if orders are placed via electronic order)
Supply Ordering
Supplies may be requested from your servicing laboratory. Supplies ordered from BPHL should only be used for specimen sent to the BPHL for testing.
Turn Around time
4 business days after receipt at the laboratory.
Minimum Volume
At least 2 mL serum
Collection Media
“Tiger” or “yellow” top SST tube
Specimen Sources
Serum
Specimen Labeling
Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB, and the date of collection.
Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order.
Special SPecimen Preparation
Centrifuge the SST within 8 hours of collection.
Storage Conditions
Specimens may be stored for up to 7 days after collection at 2-8° C.
If testing will be delayed more than 7 days after collection, remove serum from the clot, red blood cells, or separator gel and store at -20° C or colder. Avoid more than 3 freeze/thaw cycles.
Packaging and Shipping
Ship in a cooler with ice packs at 2-8° C to be received at the laboratory no more than 7 days from the collection date.
Specimens stored frozen should be shipped frozen to avoid additional freeze/thaw cycles.
unsatisfactory specimen
1) Incorrect source or incorrect collection device was used
2) Specimen was not labeled with 2 unique patient identifiers
3) Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
4) Grossly hemolyzed
5) Leaked in transit
7) No specimen received with test order
9) Specimen not centrifuged
10) Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
11) Specimens that exceed the storage limitations listed above.
12) Specimens received at 2-8° C and greater than 7 days after collection.
Interferences and Limitations
1) Current methods for the detection of anti-HBc antibodies may not detect all infected individuals. A nonreactive test result does not exclude the possibility of exposure to or infection with HBV.
2) Specimens from patients who have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy may contain human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA). Such specimens may show either falsely elevated or depressed values.
3) Patients routinely exposed to animals or to animal serum products can be prone to interference and anomalous results may be observed.
4) For accurate results, specimens should be free of fibrin, red blood cells, and other particulate matter. Serum specimens from patients receiving anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy may contain fibrin due to incomplete clot formation.
Reference Range
Nonreactive
Result Indicator
Nonreactive: Antibodies to HBc not detected; possibility that individual is not infected with HBV.
Reactive: Antibodies to HBc detected; suggests on-going or previous HBV infection. Indicates presumptive evidence of HBV.
Reference lab
None
Reflex testing
None