HBCAb

This test is used to find out the Hepatitis B Core Antibodies in the blood.

What is Hepatitis and Hepatitis B Core Antibodies:

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and can lead to scarring, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis can be caused due to auto-immune diseases, alcohol or toxic substances. When a person is exposed to Hepatitis B Virus HBV, the body produces hepatitis B IgM antibodies. These antibodies develop within 2 weeks after first being infected (and are detectable before the onset of symptoms) and lasts for about 3 to 6 months.

Hepatitis B Core Antibodies are the antibodies produced by the immune system to fight the hepatitis B Core Antigens. Antibodies are the protective proteins produced by the immune system and also known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters into the body. These foreign substances are known as antigens. Antibodies recognize and attach to the antigens in order to remove them from the body. There are five (5) subtypes of antibodies and they are IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE.

IgG provides long-term protection as it presents in the circulation for long period after the presence of an antigen. IgM enhances the ingestion of cells by phagocytosis. IgA is also the first defense for intestine, lungs, and nose. They bind antigens to the microbes before they invade tissues and keeps antigens in secretion and when secretion is expelled, antigens are also expelled. IgD helps in the induction of antibody production and presents on the surface of B-cells. IgE binds to the basophils and mast cells.

Why This test Is Performed:

This test is performed to check the presence of Hepatitis B Core Antibodies in the blood. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms such as yellowing of eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, weakness, unexplained blood level increase etc. This test helps to differentiate acute and chronic HBV infection. This test is also done to detect the past HBV infections and to determine if an individual has developed immunity for past HBV infections.

If an individual is on the treatment for Hepatitis B virus HBV then the doctor may ask to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment and Hepatitis B Core Antibodies levels in the blood.

How Often This Test Should Be Performed:

This test should be done after 15-45 days of infection. If you have been diagnosed with HBV, your doctor may advise you to get this test done once in a year based on your clinical condition. If you are a healthy individual above the age of 35, your doctor may advise you to undergo this test either on a yearly basis or every other year.

Precautions:

Some medications may change the levels of antibodies in the blood and hence you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test. Rheumatoid factor can give rise to false positive results.

Pathology test parameters:

Hepatitis B Core Antibodies ELISA Blood Test has the following components- Hepatitis B Core Antibodies IgM and Hepatitis B Core Antibodies IgG.

If the test results are negative it may indicate that there is no Hepatitis B Core Antibodies in the blood and no infection of Hepatitis B Virus HBV.

In case the test results are positive it may indicate that there are Hepatitis B Core Antibodies in the blood and acute or remote infection of Hepatitis B Virus HBV.