Antibodies to nuclear antigen of HBV, Anti-HBc, IgM

Anti-HBc

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Anti-HBc, or hepatitis B core antibody, is a blood test that detects antibodies produced by the body in response to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen. The core antigen is a protein found in the viral capsid, which is the outer shell of the virus.

The Role of Anti-HBc

The presence of anti-HBc in the blood indicates that an individual has been exposed to the hepatitis B virus at some point in their life. It is an important marker for determining the current or past infection status of hepatitis B.

When the body encounters the hepatitis B virus, it produces two types of antibodies: anti-HBc and anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antibody). While anti-HBs provides immunity against future HBV infections, anti-HBc serves as an indicator of exposure to the virus.

Anti-HBc can persist in the body for life, even after the virus has been cleared from the system. It is not a direct indicator of active infection but rather a marker of past exposure and potential immunity.

The Role of Anti-HBc in Diagnostics

The presence of anti-HBc (antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen) in the blood is an important indicator in the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Anti-HBc is typically the first antibody produced by the immune system in response to HBV infection and can persist for life, even after recovery or successful vaccination.

Indications for Anti-HBc Testing

Anti-HBc testing is recommended in the following situations:

• Screening for HBV infection: Anti-HBc testing, along with other hepatitis B markers, can help determine if an individual has an active or past HBV infection, or if they are immune due to vaccination.
• Monitoring chronic HBV infection: In individuals with chronic HBV infection, anti-HBc levels are monitored along with other markers to assess the progression of the disease and response to treatment.
• Blood and organ donor screening: Anti-HBc testing is a routine part of screening for blood and organ donors to prevent the transmission of HBV through transfusions or transplants.
• Evaluation of liver disease: Anti-HBc testing may be performed as part of the workup for unexplained liver disease or elevated liver enzymes, as HBV infection can be a potential cause.

Preparation for the Anti-HBc Test

The Anti-HBc test is a blood test that detects antibodies against the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg). No special preparation is typically required for this test, but it's generally recommended to:

• Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours before the test, as it can temporarily alter the levels of certain substances in the blood.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as some may affect the test results.

Sample Collection Process

The Anti-HBc test involves drawing a small amount of blood, typically from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The process is generally quick and straightforward, and you may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the puncture site.

Sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hepatitis-b-core-antigen
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=hepatitis_b_core_antibody
https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(12)64954-4/fulltext
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1549741/

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any pain or exacerbation of a condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnostic tests and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can accurately diagnose and determine the appropriate treatment. To obtain the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use different methods and units of measurement for similar tests.