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Oregon Health Authority

Lab Test Details

Hepatitis B Core Antibody, IgM

Updated

12/30/2020 (reviewed 5/5/2023)

Search TermsAnti-HBc IgM; HBc Ab IgM
How to Order

On the Virology/Immunology Test Request Form (OHA0042), in the “Hepatitis” section, check the “Hepatitis B Core IgM Antibody" box.

AvailabilityAll clients
PerformedDaily on regular business days.
Time to ReportingWithin 3 working days after receipt of specimen
CPT Code86705


Specimen Collection Details

CollectionOne 7 ml red top tube or serum separator tube (SST).
If SST tubes are used, follow 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 determination of IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen in human serum. The presence of Anti-HBc IgM, and total Anti-HBc is indicative of acute infection in conjunction with other laboratory results and clinical information. The absence of anti-HBc IgM and presence of total Anti-HBc is indicative of recovery from hepatitis B virus infection.

Assay performance characteristics have not been established for immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients.

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

5/5/2023 & 3/15/2021

Reviewed, no revisions