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Test Code LAB549 Hepatitis B Core Antibody, IgM

Additional Codes

M-CORAB

Collection:

Specimen: Blood 

Container: SST or Red Top

Specimen Volume: 7 mL; Minimum 3 mL

 

Pediatric Collection:

One Gold or Red Top microtainer filled to 600 uL.

Stability:

Once serum is separated from cells:

 

Ambient: 8 Hours

Refrigerated (preferred): 1 Week

Frozen: 2 Weeks

Turnaround Time (TAT):

STAT: 2 HOURS

Routine: 3 HOURS

Test Availability:

Daily / 24 Hours 

Performing Laboratory Section:

Chemistry / UMC MAIN LABORATORY

Reference Interval:

Non-reactive

Interpretive Data:

Result Interpretation
Nonreactive  IgM anti-HBc not detected. Does not exclude the possibility of exposure to or infection with HBV.
Grayzone Antibodies to IgM anti-HBc may or may not be present. Patients with specimens exhibiting grayzone test results should be retested at approximately one-week intervals.*
Reactive Presumptive evidence of IgM anti-HBc.

 

* Monitoring the level of IgM anti-HBc by retesting at approximately one week intervals will distinguish rapidly rising IgM anti-HBc levels associated with early acute hepatitis B infection from gradually decreasing or unchanging IgM anti-HBc levels often associated with late acute stage of HBV infection, six to nine months from the appearance of HBsAg.