Anti HBcAg Total

This test measures the levels of total antibodies to the core antigen of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) in the blood. These antibodies provide information about a person's immune response to HBV and help diagnose and monitor HBV infection.

1. Detecting prior or ongoing HBV infection:

• A positive Anti-HBcAg total result indicates that a person has either:
  • Been infected with HBV in the past: This could be either a resolved infection (where the body has cleared the virus) or a chronic infection (where the virus is still present).
  • Currently has an active HBV infection: This is especially true if other HBV markers like HBsAg (surface antigen) are also positive.

1. Differentiating infection stages:

• In conjunction with other HBV markers, the Anti-HBcAg total test can help differentiate between different stages of infection:
  • Acute infection: Presence of IgM anti-HBc (a specific type of Anti-HBc) along with HBsAg suggests an acute infection.
  • Chronic infection: Persistence of HBsAg and Anti-HBcAg total indicates chronic infection.
  • Resolved infection: Presence of Anti-HBcAg total alone (without HBsAg) suggests a resolved infection with potential immunity.

1. Assessing immunity:

• A positive Anti-HBcAg total result in someone who has never been vaccinated against HBV suggests possible immunity from a past infection.

However, the presence of Anti-HBs (surface antibody) alongside Anti-HBcAg total confirms immunity, whether from vaccination or resolved infection

This test may be recommended if you:

• Have symptoms suggestive of Hepatitis B Virus infection, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, or abdominal pain
• Are at high risk for Hepatitis B infection, including healthcare workers or individuals with multiple sexual partners
• Need to evaluate your immunity after receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine

Normal results indicate the absence of current or past Hepatitis B Virus infection. Abnormal results may suggest acute or chronic HBV infection or previous exposure to the virus. However, abnormal results need to be interpreted in the context of your medical history and other diagnostic tests. Consult your doctor for further evaluation.

• A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from your vein.
• The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. 
• The test involves using immunoassay (CLIA) method to measure the levels of antibodies in your blood.

Before the test:

• No fasting or special preparations are required
• Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as they may interfere with the test results
• Follow any specific instructions given by your doctor

Other tests that may be ordered alongside the Anti HBcAg total by CLIA (Serum) test include:

• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test: It detects the presence of HBV surface antigen in the blood and helps diagnose acute or chronic HBV infection.
• HBV DNA test: It measures the amount of HBV genetic material in the blood and helps determine the viral load and monitor treatment response.

Total Anti HBcAg test or Anti-HBc Total test

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a viral infection that affects the liver. It can cause both acute and chronic liver disease. HBV can spread through contact with infected blood, unprotected sex, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.