Laboratory Test Guide

Hepatitis B Core Antibody (HBcAb)

General Information

Lab Name

Hepatitis B Core Ab

Lab Code

HBCA

Epic Name

Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total

Description

The Qualitative detection of Hepatitis B virus Core IgG and IgM antibodies (HBcAb) in human sera using the FDA approved Abbott ARCHITECT CORE test two-step chemiluminescent immunoassay.

In the first step, sample, assay diluent, and Hepatitis Core Antigen (HBcAg) coated paramagnetic microparticles are combined. Anti-HBc antibodies present in the sample binds to the HBcAg coated microparticles. In the second step, anti-human IgG and IgM acridinium-labeled conjugate is added, which binds to IgG and IgM anti-HBc. Then pre-trigger and trigger solutions are added to the reaction mixture. The resulting chemiluminescent reaction is measured as relative light units (RLUs).

The presence or absence of anti-HBc antibodies in the sample is determined by comparing the chemiluminescent signal in the reaction to the cutoff signal determined from an active ARCHITECT CORE calibration. Specimens with signal to cutoff (S/CO) values ≥ 1.00 are considered reactive for HBcAb. Specimens with S/CO values < 1.00 are considered nonreactive.

For Batteries containing HBCA see:

Hepatitis B Antibodies (HBcAB, HBsAB) [HBAB], Quantitative detection of Hepatitis B virus Surface IgG antibody (HBSAb) and Hepatitis B virus Core IgG and IgM antibodies (HBCAb)

Hepatitis B Battery [HBB], Quantitative detection of Hepatitis B virus Surface IgG antibody (HBSAb), Qualitative detection of Hepatitis B virus Surface Antigen (HBSAg) and Qualitative detection of Hepatitis B virus Core IgG and IgM antibodies (HBCAb)

Components

Code	Name
BCAB	Hepatitis B Core Ab
IN6	Hepatitis B Core Ab Interp

Interpretation

Method

Chemiluminescence Immunoassay

Reference Range

See individual components

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type

Blood

Collection

Blood: 5 mL blood in GOLD TOP serum separator tube (SST).

Also acceptable: 5 mL blood in ORANGE TOP rapid serum tube (RST) or RED TOP tube

Quantity

requested: 1.0 mL serum
minimum: 0.5 mL serum

Processing

Blood: Specimens may be stored on or off the clot, red blood cells, or separator gel for up to 3 days at room temperature (15-30°C) or up to 7 days at 2-8°C. If testing will be delayed more than 3 days for specimens stored at room temperature or more than 7 days for specimens stored at 2-8°C, remove serum from the clot, red blood cells, or separator gel and store at -20°C or colder. Avoid more than three freeze/thaw cycles.

Outside Laboratories: Specimens may be stored on or off the clot, red blood cells, or separator gel for up to 3 days at room temperature (15-30°C) or up to 7 days at 2-8°C. If testing will be delayed more than 3 days for specimens stored at room temperature or more than 7 days for specimens stored at 2-8°C, remove serum from the clot, red blood cells, or separator gel and store at -20°C or colder. Avoid more than three freeze/thaw cycles.

Unacceptable samples: Cord blood, neonatal specimens, cadaver specimens, heat-inactivated specimens, or body fluids such as saliva, urine, amniotic fluid, or pleural fluid. Specimens with obvious microbial contamination or are grossly hemolyzed.

Performance

LIS Dept Code

Clinical Virology (CVIR)

Performing Location(s)

Other	Virology, Eastlake 206-685-6656 Virology Laboratory, Ste 320 1616 Eastlake Ave E. Seattle, WA 98102