What is this test?
The test is used to find out whether you are having an active infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
 
Sample required
Blood.
 
Patient preparation
No specific patient preparation protocol is required. Inform the doctor if you are on any medications, or have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before this test.
 
Turn-around time (How long does it take?)
5 Hours.
 
Basis of the Test
Hepatitis B Virus has a central core and a surrounding envelope. Your immune system makes IgM antibodies to the core of HBV during the active stage of infection.The presence of anti-HBc indicates previous or ongoing infection with hepatitis B virus in an undefined time frame. 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.