Hepatitis B core total antibodies

Description: 
Qualitative chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for the detection of total antibodies to Hepatitis B core in serum. A positive core antibody indicates past or current infection with Hepatitis B. Positive samples will undergo further testing for other Hepatitis B markers to determine whether there is chronic ongoing infection. Patients with a positive core antibody in isolation are still at risk of re-activating hepatitis B if significantly immunosuppressed. May be temporarily positive in patients who have recently received blood products, "false positive". This assay is available as a screening or follow-up test Mon to Sun, with a turnaround time of 3 working days.
Clinical details: 
Hepatitis B infection can lead to significant liver disease which can be prevented either by pre-exposure vaccination or with medical treatment in chronic infection.
Reference range: 

Not Applicable

Synonyms or keywords: 
HepB, HBV, Core total
Units: 
Qualitative test - Detected/Not detected
Sample type and Volume required: 
2.5 – 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum).
Turnaround time: 
3 working days
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis, please store samples in refrigerator if there is a delay in sending samples to CSR.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 06/10/2023