"Clinical Significance
Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total - This assay does not distinguish between Total B Core Antibody IgG and IgM detected before or at the onset of symptoms; however, such reactivity can persist for years after illness, and may even outlast anti-HBS. Occasionally Hepatitis B Core Antibody may be the only marker of either current or past Hepatitis B infection. HBV vaccination leads to development of HBsAb but not to HBeAb
Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Transport Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST®)
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days