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HelpTest ID: HBIM Hepatitis B Virus Core IgM Antibody, Serum
Reporting Name
HBc IgM Ab, SUseful For
Diagnosis of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection
Identifying acute HBV infection in the serologic window period when HBV surface antigen and HBV surface antibody results are negative
Differentiation between acute, chronic, or past HBV infections in the presence of positive hepatitis B virus core total antibodies
Clinical Information
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus that is endemic throughout the world. In the initial (acute) phase of infection, HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc) consist almost entirely of the IgM antibody class and appear shortly after the onset of symptoms. Anti-HBc IgM can be detected in serum and is usually present for up to 6 months after acute HBV infection. Anti-HBc IgM may be the only serologic marker of a recent hepatitis B infection detectable following the disappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen and prior to the appearance of hepatitis B virus surface antibody (ie, serologic window period).
Interpretation
A positive result indicates recent acute hepatitis B infection. Positive results should be correlated with hepatitis B virus core total antibody test result and the patient's epidemiologic exposure history.
A negative result suggests a lack of recent exposure to the virus in the preceding 6 months.
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Clinical Reference
1. LeFevre ML; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2014;161(1):58-66. doi:10.7326/M14-1018
2. Jackson K, Locarnini S, Gish R. Diagnostics of hepatitis B virus: Standard of care and investigational. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken). 2018;12(1):5-11. doi:10.1002/cld.729
3. Coffin CS, Zhou K, Terrault NA. New and old biomarkers for diagnosis and management of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Gastroenterology. 2019;156(2):355-368.e3. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.037
4. WHO guidelines on hepatitis B and C testing. Geneva: World Health Organization. Updated February 16, 2017. Accessed May 5, 2025. Available at www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549981
5. Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention: Testing and public health management of persons with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated January 31, 2025. Accessed May 6, 2025. Available at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/hcp/diagnosis-testing/
6. Conners EE, Panagiotakopoulos L, Hofmeister MG, et al. Screening and testing for hepatitis B virus infection: CDC recommendations - United States, 2023. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2023;72(1):1-25. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7201a1
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Specimen Type
Serum SSTNecessary Information
Date of collection is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 24 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (eg, hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel (red-top tubes are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).
2. Aliquot serum into a plastic tube.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days |
| Refrigerated | 6 days | |
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86705
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HBIM | HBc IgM Ab, S | 24113-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HBIM | HBc IgM Ab, S | 24113-3 |
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Hepatitis B: Testing Algorithm for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management.
Special Instructions
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following:
mml-hepatitis