Description
Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total, with Reflex to IgM blood test detects IgM antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc) to indicate an acute hepatitis B infection. After infection with HBV, the IgM antibody is the first antibody produced by the body to fight off the virus. Hepatitis B is a STD that is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) . It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from mother to child. The severity of the disease ranges from mild or acute symptoms to more long term and severe cases that can cause liver disease or liver cancer.
This assay does not distinguish between total B Core antibody IgG and IgM detected before or at the onset of symptoms; However, such reactivity can persist for years after illness, and may even outlast Anti-HBS. Occasionally Hepatitis B Core antibody may be the only marker of either current or past Hepatitis B infection. HBV vaccination leads to development of HBSAB but not to HBEAB.
The recommended minimum window period for Hepatitis B Core Antibody, IgM is 6 weeks post potential exposure; hepatitis B can occasionally be detected as early as 3 weeks post-exposure. The Hepatitis B virus is contagious and causes hepatitis B, one of five known types of hepatitis (liver swelling). Hepatitis B can either be acute (short-term and mild) or asymptomatic or chronic (a life-long infection). Chronic hepatitis B impacts liver function, which may potentially be fatal. Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination.
