Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test, IgM

This blood test detects IgM antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc) to indicate an acute hepatitis B infection. After infection with HBV, the IgM antibody is the first antibody produced by the body to fight off the virus. 

The recommended minimum window period for Hepatitis B Core Antibody, IgM is:

• 6 weeks post potential exposure; hepatitis B can occasionally be detected as early as 3 weeks post-exposure. For the most accurate results, we recommend getting tested after 6 weeks.

What does a positive or reactive hepatitis B core antibody result mean?

A positive or reactive result can indicate that the individual has had a hepatitis B infection within the last 6 months. 

What is Hepatitis B?

The Hepatitis B virus is contagious and causes hepatitis B, one of five known types of hepatitis (liver swelling). Hepatitis B can either be acute (short-term and mild) or asymptomatic or chronic (a life-long infection). Chronic hepatitis B impacts liver function, which may potentially be fatal. Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination.

How is Hepatitis B spread?

Hepatitis B is spread when infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluid enters the body, which can happen during: 

• Sharing needles (like during intravenous drug use or unsterilized needles in tattooing)

• Unprotected sexual intercourse

• Sharing personal care items like razors or toothbrushes
• Birth to an infected mother
• Sharing a household with a chronically infected individual
• Human bites from a hepatitis B-infected person
• Needle sticks exposures of healthcare workers

HBV can survive for at least seven days outside of the body and still be able to cause infection.

Hepatitis B symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored bowel movements
• Joint pain
• Jaundice

Same Day Testing

Know your Hepatitis B status by testing today. By ordering online, you can go in at your earliest convenience during the lab’s hours of operations. Choose from one of 4,500 CLIA-certified lab locations. Sample collection takes about 5 minutes and you will receive an email or text when results are available to view inside your online account.