Hepatitis B Core Antibody, IgG & IgM
Label Mnemonic: HBCB
Epic code: LAB622
Order form: Laboratory Requisition
Supply order: Supply Order Form
Billing: Billing Policies
CPT code: 86704
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
5 mL whole blood from light green top tube or TWO light green top microtubes for pediatric patients
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
Negative
Interpretive Data:
A negative result indicates that anti-HBc antibodies were not detected in the sample. A positive result indicates presumptive evidence of hepatitis B virus infection. Anti-HBc antibodies were detected in the sample which suggests either on-going or previous HBV infection.
Comments:
Part of initial diagnostic hepatitis profile.

Current methods for the detection of anti-HBc antibodies may not detect all infected individuals. A negative test result does not exclude the possibility of exposure to or infection with HBV.

Assay updated with increased tolerance to biotin on 3/28/23.
Test Limitations:
The assay is unaffected by icterus < 25 mg/dL, hemolysis (Hb < 800 mg/dL), lipemia < 1000 mg/dL) and biotin is less than 1200 ng/mL..
Methodology:
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay
Sample Processing:
Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).
Transport Instructions:
Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
86704
 
See Additional Information:
Biotin Interference with Immunoassays