Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total (HBcAb- Total)

The Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total (HBcAb-Total) test is a blood test that detects the presence of both IgM and IgG antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus core antigen. The test is used to determine whether a person has been exposed to the virus in the past and has developed immunity to it. The IgG antibodies are produced by the body in response to a previous Hepatitis B infection or as a result of vaccination, while the IgM antibodies are produced during the acute phase of the infection. The test is commonly used to screen individuals who are at risk of exposure to Hepatitis B, such as healthcare workers, patients receiving blood transfusions, and individuals with a history of injection drug use. A positive HBcAb-Total test result indicates that the person has either had a previous Hepatitis B infection or has been vaccinated against the virus. A negative result suggests that they have not been exposed to the virus or have not yet developed detectable antibodies. The HBcAb-Total test is also useful in monitoring the effectiveness of the Hepatitis B vaccine and determining whether a booster dose is necessary.