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HelpTest ID: HBIM Hepatitis B Core Antibody, IgM, 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 hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis B surface are negative
Differentiation between acute and chronic or past HBV infections in the presence of positive anti-hepatitis B core
Clinical Information
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus that is endemic throughout the world. In the initial (acute) phase of infection, hepatitis B 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 surface antibody (ie, serologic window period).
Interpretation
A positive result indicates recent acute hepatitis B infection.
A negative result suggests lack of recent exposure to the virus in preceding 6 months.
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysDay(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Clinical Reference
1. Bonino F, Piratvisuth T, Brunetto MR, Liaw YF: Diagnostic markers of chronic hepatitis B infection and disease. Antivir Ther. 2010;15 Suppl 3:35-44. doi: 10.3851/IMP1622
2. Badur S, Akgun A: Diagnosis of hepatitis B infections and monitoring of treatment. J Clin Virol. 2001 Jun;21(3):229-237. doi: 10.1016/s1386-6532(01)00147-0
3. Servoss JC, Friedman LS: Serologic and molecular diagnosis of hepatitis B virus. Clin Liver Dis. 2004 May;8(2):267-281. doi: 10.1016/j.cld.2004.02.001
4. LeFebre 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 Jul 1;161(1):58-66. doi: 10.7326/M14-1018
5. Jackson K, Locarnini S, Gish R: Diagnostics of hepatitis B virus: Standard of care and investigational. Clin Liver Dis. 2018 Aug 22;12(1):5-11. doi: 10.1002/cld.729
6. Coffin CS, Zhou K, Terrault NA: New and old biomarkers for diagnosis and management of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Gastroenterology. 2019 Jan;156(2):355-368. doi: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.11.037
7. World Health Organization: WHO guidelines on hepatitis B and C testing. 2017. Accessed September 29, 2020. Available at www.who.int/hepatitis/publications/HEP17001_WEB11.pdf?ua=1
8. 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 October 8, 2019. Accessed April 8, 2020. Available at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/testingchronic.htm
Method Name
Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CIA)
Specimen Type
Serum SSTNecessary Information
Date of collection is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 24 hours before specimen collection do not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins.
Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per collection tube manufacturer's instructions.
2. Aliquot serum into plastic tube.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Refrigerated | 7 days | ||
| Ambient | 24 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
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