Anti Hepatitis B Core Antibody (AHBC) - IGM
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Anti-HBc IgM detects IgM-class antibodies against the core antigen of the Hepatitis B virus (HBcAg). This test is used to diagnose acute or recent Hepatitis B infection
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🧪 Anti-Hepatitis B Core Antibody – IgM (Anti-HBc IgM)
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Full Name | Anti-Hepatitis B Core Antibody – Immunoglobulin M (IgM) |
Sample Type | Blood (Serum) |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
Test Method | ELISA / CLIA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay or Chemiluminescence) |
🔬 What Is It?
Anti-HBc IgM detects IgM-class antibodies against the core antigen of the Hepatitis B virus (HBcAg). This test is used to diagnose acute or recent Hepatitis B infection.
- Core antigen (HBcAg) is not directly detectable in serum, but the immune response to it (antibodies) is.
- IgM indicates new infection, appearing during early or reactivated phases.
🧠 Organs Involved
Organ | Role/Impact |
|---|---|
Liver | Primary site of viral replication and inflammation |
Immune System | Produces antibodies (IgM) in response to viral antigens |
🎯 Why Is This Test Done?
Use Case | Purpose |
|---|---|
Diagnose acute HBV infection | Especially if HBsAg is positive and symptoms exist |
Distinguish between acute and chronic HBV | Acute = IgM+, Chronic = IgM- |
Detect reactivation of chronic hepatitis B | Especially in immunocompromised individuals |
Evaluate “window period” of HBV | When HBsAg is cleared but anti-HBs not yet appeared |
🕐 Timeline of Appearance
Phase | Anti-HBc IgM Status |
|---|---|
Early Acute Infection | ✅ Positive |
Window Period | ✅ Positive |
Chronic Infection | ❌ Negative (IgG persists) |
📊 Interpretation
Result | Clinical Meaning |
|---|---|
Positive | Suggests recent acute HBV infection or reactivation |
Negative | Rules out recent HBV exposure; may still be chronic |
🔬 Recommended Additional Tests
Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
HBsAg (Surface Antigen) | Detects active infection (acute or chronic) |
Anti-HBs (HBV Antibody) | Indicates recovery or vaccination status |
HBV DNA (PCR) | Measures viral load |
ALT / AST (LFT) | Evaluates liver inflammation or damage |
Anti-HBc IgG | Indicates past exposure or chronic state (long-term marker) |
🧪 Anti-HBc IgM vs Anti-HBc IgG
Feature | IgM | IgG |
|---|---|---|
Appears | Early in infection | Later phase / chronic |
Indicates | Acute or reactivation | Past or chronic infection |
Duration | Temporary (3–6 months) | Long-term / lifelong |
✅ Summary Table
Test Name | Anti-HBc IgM |
|---|---|
Used For | Detecting acute or recent Hepatitis B infection |
Sample | Serum (Blood) |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
Positive Result Suggests | Recent infection or reactivation |
Paired With | HBsAg, HBV DNA, Anti-HBs, LFT |
⚠️ Important Notes
- Anti-HBc IgM is often the only positive marker during the window period of Hepatitis B.
- For blood donations, Anti-HBc screening helps prevent transmission of occult HBV.
- Always interpret in clinical context and with other HBV markers.
How our test process works!
