Anti Hepatitis B Core Antigen – IgM (AHBc-IgM)
Description
- Negative : <10.0u/ml
- Positive : ≥ 10.0u/ml
Clinical significance
- Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B blood tests can identify a person who has a current active infection, was exposed to HBV in the past, or has immunity as a result of vaccination.
- Antihepatitis B core (AntiHBc, IgM) detects only the IgM antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen, Used to detect acute infections; may be included in initial testing, e.g. when done as part of an acute viral hepatitis panel
- AHBc-IgM occurs in early acute infection, 4-10 weeks after appearance of HbsAg, declining to low levels during recovery
- Is the only serologic test that can differentiate recent and remote infection
- Helps in the diagnosis of Hepatitis B infection, during serological window period (after HbsAg and HbeAg subsided but before their respective antibodies have appeared)
- Individuals acutely infected with the HBV exhibit anti –HBC IgM between 2 weeks and 4 months after exposure, usually through the course of clinical illness
- A result greater than or equal to 10 U/ml is considered to be positive for IgM antibody to HbcAg and is indicative of recent exposure to virus. A result less than 10U/Ml is considered to be negative. Negative results by this test do not preclude recent primary infection
When to get tested
- When there is s/s associated with acute hepatitis such as Fatigue, Sudden nausea and vomiting, Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the upper right quadrant, Clay coloured stools, Loss of appetite, Low grade fever ,Dark urine , Joint pain, Jaundice ,Intense itching
- When there is s/s of chronic liver failure
- Above clinical features with history of unprotected sexual contact, Sharing of needles, Accidental needle pricks
- When new born shows signs of hepatitis
Elevated level
- Ongoing /Acute HBV infection
Decreased level
Profile
ALL TEST
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