Hepatitis B Virus core Total Antibody (HBc Total)
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About 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?
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To diagnose ongoing Hepatitis B infection
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To check the disease progression within the liver of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection
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To monitor the effectiveness of antiviral therapy among chronically HBV-infected patients
Symptoms of ABC
Depending on a person's immune status, hepatitis B symptoms can range from having the virus in the blood for a long time to severe liver damage and failure. Mild symptoms often include
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Fatigue, Nausea & Vomiting
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Pain in the upper right corner of the abdomen
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Loss of appetite
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Dark-colored urine and pale stools
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Yellowing of the skin and eyes (Jaundice)
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Joint pain
Test preparation
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 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 on Hepatitis B Virus core Total Antibody (HBc Total)
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.
The test is performed using a blood sample collected from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
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.
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.
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.
Hepatitis B Virus core Total Antibody (HBc Total)
