Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Total) with Reflex to IgM

Test Code

37676

CPT Codes
86704

Includes

If Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total is reactive, then Hepatitis B Core IgM Antibody will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86705).

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.8 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 21 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: Next day

Limitations

Results obtained from immunosuppressed patients should be interpreted with caution. Patients receiving mouse antibody therapy may produce false-negative results. False-positives may be detected shortly after immunization to influenza and with patients with hypergammaglobulinemia, positive rheumatoid factor, and connective tissue disorders.

Reference Range

Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total

Non-Reactive

Clinical Significance

This assay detects presence of both IgG and IgM antibodies to the hepatitis B core (anti-HBc) antigen. If positive, it reflexes to further detect only the presence of IgM anti-HBc. When both the total anti-HBc and IgM anti-HBc are positive, it is indicative of acute HBV infection. A positive total anti-HBc with negative IgM anti-HBc is indicative of either acute or past Hepatitis B infection. Total anti-HBc may be the only HBV marker detected in past infection. Anti-HBc antibodies, both total and IgM, are absent from HBV vaccinated people.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.