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Epic Test Code LAB549 Hepatitis B Core IgM Anitbody

Important Note

This is a Lab Orderable code only.

Performing Location(s)

BMC

Specimen Type

Serum

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

2 mL Serum

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 607-547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Primary specimen tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection followed by transfer of the serum (red or gold top) to a labeled plastic, aliquot tube.

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Transportation Needs

Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
Plasma

Spun or Unspun sample >7 days at 2-8 °C

Spun or Unspun sample >3 days at Room Temperature

Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 3000 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 20 mg/dL Bili
Total Protein >12 g/dL

NaF, Citrate, Oxalate

Limitations

Individual with negative results are presume not be immune to HBV infection. This will distinguish rapidly rising anti-HBc IgM levels associated with early acute infection from gradually decreasing or unchanging levels often associated with late acute stage HBV infection, 6-9 months from appearance of HBsAG.

This test cannot determine a patient immune status to HBV.

Specimens from patients with high IgM levels (e.g. Multiple myeloma) may show depressed values.

Specimens from patient who have received mouse monoclonal antibodies (HAMA) for diagnosis or therapy may exhibit either falsely elevated or depressed levels.

Hydrophobic antibodies in human serum may interfere, and additional info may be needed for specimens from patients with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Performance characteristics have not been established for immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients.

Reference Values

Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Total) Reference Range
Population Units Reference Range
All populations S/CO  Negative

 

 

Interpretation

A negative result does not exclude the possibility of exposure or infection to HBV.

An equivocal result indicates that IgM antibodies to HBC may or may not be present. Patients should be retested at approximately 1 week intervals if clinically indicated. This will distinguish rapidly rising anti-HBc IgM levels associated with early acute infection from gradually decreasing or unchanging levels often associated with late acute stage HBV infection, 6-9 months from appearance of HBsAG.

A positive e result is presumptive evidence of anti-HBc IgM antibodies.

Days of Analysis

M-F only.

Available STAT

No

Additional Information

This test is not available on a STAT basis or off-hours, weekends or holidays. If an emergency request is necessary, call 3731 for availability. Pathologist approval may be required.

Neonatal serum is acceptable.

 

Hepatitis Testing Guideline/Information

Methodology

Two Step Chemilumimetric Immunoassay

CPT Code

86705

Last Updated

3-Oct-22 BHD