Hepatitis B Virus core Total Antibody (HBc Total)
Hepatitis B Virus core Total Antibody (HBc Total)
Testing for Hepatitis core (HBc) total antibodies is a crucial diagnostic procedure that demonstrates a patient's history of self-limiting HBV infection at some point. The development of HBc antibodies is the body's first line of defence against HBV upon recognizing the core protein of the virus surrounding the genetic material(DNA).
The Hepatitis B Virus Core Total(HBc Total) antibody assay detects these antibodies in the patient's serum. They are two types: IgM-antibodies, which develop early and decline to undetectable levels after patients recover from hepatitis B, whereas IgG-antibodies appear weeks later and persist lifelong in HBV-exposed individuals.
Anti-HBc (total) remains positive in patients with resolved HBV infection as well as in those with persistent infection. However, individuals vaccinated for HBV may not develop HBc antibodies unless infected prior to immunization.
Thus, evaluating HBc total antibody levels, along with other hepatitis B blood markers( HBsAg and anti-HBs), provides doctors with a better picture of the patient's Hepatitis B status to choose the suitable treatment plan.
What is the HBc Total Antibody Test Used For?
The HBc Total Antibody Test is used
To diagnose recent or past hepatitis B infection
To check HBV status of infected individuals, along with other hepatitis B test markers
For diagnosing individuals who have liver injury from unknown etiologies
To determine occult HBV infection in healthy hepatitis B carriers with negative results for other serological markers
Symptoms of ABC
Symptoms of hepatitis B can vary depending on an individual's immune status. During the acute stage of HBV infection, a person may experience
Fatigue, Nausea & Vomiting
Pain in the upper right corner of the abdomen
Loss of appetite
Dark-colored urine and pale stools
Yellowing of the skin and Eyes (Jaundice)
Joint pain
Preparation for Test
Avoid taking biotin supplements for at least 48 hours, leading to the Hepatitis B Virus core total antibody (HBc IgM and IgG) test, as high biotin doses can interfere with the assay result.
Interpretation of Test Results
The results of the HBc antibody test are interpreted along with the results of the other hepatitis and laboratory markers.
Positive result
This report suggests that a person may have acute or chronic HBV infection or be immune to HBV from past infection.
Infants (<1 month) who test positive for HBc total antibodies must also be tested for anti-HBc IgM to rule out maternal HBcAb. Repeat testing for HBc total antibodies within one month is recommended for these neonates.
Negative result
This test result indicates the absence of hepatitis B virus exposure and no evidence of recent, chronic, or resolved/past hepatitis B infection.
FAQs
What does it mean to be a Hepatitis B carrier?
If you have been in contact with someone infected with Hepatitis B, chances are you might be carrying the infection yourself, even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms. This is known as the hepatitis B carrier state. In this state, you can unknowingly spread the infection to others.
How is the HBc Total Antibody test done?
The test is performed using a blood sample collected from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Are the results of the anti-HBc Total antibody test accurate?
Yes, the anti-HBc Total antibody test result is accurate and reliable since it is the only serological marker to determine previous exposure to HBV infection.
Is it necessary to undergo the HBc Total antibody test if I have been immunized against hepatitis B?
Anti-HBc (total) isn't a marker to identify vaccine-induced immunity, but it is undoubtedly an indicator to know if a person has ever had exposure to HBV infection before vaccination.
Does HBc antibodies protect against subsequent HBV infections?
No, the HBc antibody does not protect from future HBV infection. Instead, it indicates the patient's previous exposure to the virus and the resulting immune response.
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