Table of Contents
What does it mean to have hepatitis B core antibodies?
Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb or Anti-HBc) – This antibody does not provide any protection or immunity against the hepatitis B virus. A positive or “reactive” test indicates that a person may have been infected with the hepatitis B virus at some point in time.
What does a positive hepatitis B core IgM mean?
IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc): Positivity indicates recent infection with hepatitis B virus (<6 mos). Its presence indicates acute infection.
What does HEP B IgG mean?
A positive/reactive anti-HBc IgG test usually indicates a chronic infection. Other Tests: Liver Function Tests and Liver Enzymes – These blood tests measure potential liver damage (or liver inflammation) caused by the hepatitis B virus. When the liver is injured, the liver enzymes can leak into the bloodstream.
What are the core IgM antibodies for hepatitis B (HBV)?
Hepatitis B core IgM antibodies begin to appear in your blood several weeks after you are first infected with HBV. People who have had the hepatitis B vaccine will not have the core antibody in their blood. HBV is 1 of 5 hepatitis viruses.
What does a negative hepatitis B test result mean?
If the result is Non-reactive or Negative, it indicates the absence of Hepatitis B core IgM antibodies in the blood. It means there is no recent or earlier HBV infection in the blood. If your test result is positive, it shows the presence of acute hepatitis B infection.
What is the IgM test for hepatitis?
This test looks for antibodies called IgM in your blood. The test is used to find out whether you are actively infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV has a central core and a surrounding envelope.
What blood tests are used to diagnose hepatitis B?
Anti-HBc or HBcAb (hepatitis B core antibody) – this blood test remains positive indefinitely as a marker of past HBV infection. HBeAg (hepatitis B e-antigen) is generally detectable in patients with a new acute infection; the presence of HBeAg is associated with higher HBV DNA levels, thus, increased infectiousness.