Test Name
HEPATITIS B CORE ANTIBODY (ANTI-HBc), IgM
Aliases
-
Abbreviations
ANTI-HBC IGM, IGM ANTI-HBC, HBCAB IGM.
Test Classification
INDIVIDUAL
Department
SEROLOGY
Sub Department
INFECTIOUS
TAT Category
ELAPSED (CONTINUOUS) TIME
Estimated TAT
7
TAT Units
DAYS
Test Requirements
Serum in plain tube (red top) or SST tube (yellow top) or in a separation vial. Centrifuge tubes within 1 hour. Separate centrifuged serum in plain tubes within 1 hour.
SHIPPING/ TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS
Shipping Temperature: Refrigerated
ANALYTE STABILITY
Room Temperature: 7 days at 20-25°C │ Refrigerated: 1 month at 2-8°C │ Frozen: 1 month at -20°C
Clinical Utility
A positive result is consistent with acute/ recent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. IgM is the first antibody produced by the immune system in response to infection.
Last Review
26th Feb 2026