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Hepatitis B Core, Total Antibody

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure: MBF0205A
CPT: 86704

Synonym(s): Anti-HBc, Anti Core Antibody, HBV, HBc Total Ab, Hepatitis Bc 
Requisition Form G-2A
Test Description Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the qualitative detection of total antibodies (IgG and IgM) to hepatitis B core antigen in human serum.
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing Serum
Minimum Volume/Size Required 500 µL
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping
  • Store specimens at 2°C to 8°C for up to 48 hours.
  • For storage longer than 48 hours, store at -20°C or below.
Transport Medium N/A
Specimen Labeling
  • Two patient-specific identifiers required on specimen (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number)
  • Three patient identifiers are preferred.
  • Patient identifiers on specimen label must exactly match identifiers on submission form (e.g., abbreviated name on label and full name on form is not acceptable.) 
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here.  
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
  • Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply. 
  • Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions. 
  • Triple contain in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents. 
  • If specimens will arrive at the Lab within 48 hours of collection, refrigerate at 2°C –8°C and ship overnight on cold packs. 
  • If specimens will arrive at the Lab more than 48 hours after time of collection, freeze at -20°C or colder, and ship overnight on dry ice.
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here
Method Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Turn-around Time  4 working days
Interferences/Limitations Gross hemolysis, lipemia, bacterial contamination, and heterophilic antibodies may cause interference in the assay.
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Insufficient specimen quantity.
  • Unacceptable specimen type or source.
  • Improper shipping conditions.
  • Expired media or collection container.
  • Expired reagents/media/collection container. 
  • Discrepancies between G-2A submission form and specimen label. 
  • Missing/incomplete/illegible submission form or label.
Additional Information
  • For diagnostic purposes, results should be used in conjunction with patient history and other hepatitis markers for diagnosis of acute and chronic infection.  
  • A non-reactive test result does not exclude the possibility of exposure to hepatitis B virus.