Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core IgM antibody - serum specimen
- LIS Mnemonic: HBVCOREIGM
Collect
Gold (SST - Clot activator & gel)
Volume Required
2 ml blood
Minimum Required
1 ml serum
Transport
A total of 2-4 ml of blood (for every 2-3 HIV and Hepatitis tests ordered) should be collected and submitted at room temperature to the laboratory.
Days Performed
Monday thru Friday
Reported
Daily
CPT
86705
Methodology
Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay
Disease Information
Utility:
The detection of HBV core IgM is an indicator of acute infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV); can occasionally persist at low levels during chronic infection. IgM antibody to core antigen (IgM anti-HBc) is present at the onset of acute hepatitis B infection and persists for 3-12 months before declining to indetectable levels. A positive test for IgM anti-HBc is diagnostic for acute or recent HBV infection and may be the only marker present in acutely ill neonates and patients with acute fulminant HBV infection who may not have detectable HBsAg.
Interpretation
The presence of HBV core IgM antibody is indicative of a recent acute infection with HBV in persons with signs and symptoms of hepatitis and in persons at risk for HBV infection. A negative result is indicative of no evidence of a recent acute infection with HBV. Does not exclude early acute infection or past infection with HBV. If clinically indicated, please wait 1-2 weeks and submit another specimen for additional HBV core IgM antibody testing. A hepatitis B surface antigen test and HBV core total antibody (IgG & IgM) test may also be ordered on the current and repeat specimens. For diagnostic purposes, IgM anti-HBV reactivity should be correlated with patient history and other hepatitis markers for diagnosis of past or present infection, or vaccination against HBV.
Reference Values
Negative or nonreactive for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) core IgM antibody
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