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Hepatitis B Core Antibody

HBcAb Anti-HBc IgG and IgM
Serum (SST) Positive/Negative

About this test

Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen. IgM indicates recent/acute infection; IgG indicates past or chronic infection. Never positive from vaccination alone.

Reference Ranges

Sex Age Range Notes
All All ages See notes Negative is normal in uninfected individuals

Clinical Interpretation

Low / Decreased
Negative — no prior HBV infection.
High / Increased
Positive — past resolved infection (with anti-HBs), chronic infection (with HBsAg), or occult HBV. IgM anti-HBc indicates acute infection.
Specimen
Serum (SST)
Reporting Unit
Positive/Negative
Category
🦠 Microbiology

⚠ Clinical Note
Reference ranges are indicative. Always interpret results in the context of the individual patient and local laboratory reference intervals, which may vary.