Test Code LAB5555 Hepatitis B Virus Core IgM Antibody, Serum
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Serum SSTNecessary Information
Date of collection is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For 24 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements (eg, hair, skin, and nail supplements) containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel (red-top tubes are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).
2. Aliquot serum into a plastic tube.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | 90 days |
Refrigerated | 6 days |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
86705
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 virus 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 virus surface antibody (ie, serologic window period).
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Method Name
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Forms
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Testing Algorithm
For more information see Hepatitis B: Testing Algorithm for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management.