Anti HBcAg Total Test
Also known as: Anti HBcAg Total
Anti HBcAg Total Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total Test, Anti-HBc Total Test |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To detect total antibodies (IgM and IgG) against the Hepatitis B core antigen for diagnosis and monitoring of Hepatitis B infection |
| Preparation | No special preparation required |
| Fasting | Fasting not required |
| Reporting Time | After 8 hours |
| Cost | 1,300 |
What is an Anti HBcAg Total Test?
The Anti HBcAg Total Test is a blood test that detects antibodies (both IgM and IgG) against the Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg). It plays an important role in identifying past or current Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
The presence of total core antibodies indicates that a person has been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus, either through a previous infection or an ongoing chronic infection.
Unlike the surface antibody (Anti-HBs), which appears after recovery or vaccination, Anti-HBc Total helps distinguish between people who are immune due to natural infection and those who are immune due to vaccination.
What Does the Anti HBcAg Total Test Measure?
This test measures the total antibodies (IgM and IgG) produced by the immune system in response to the Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg).
- IgM Antibodies: Indicate recent or acute infection with Hepatitis B.
- IgG Antibodies: Indicate past or chronic infection and can remain for life.
By detecting these antibodies, the test helps in:
- Identifying current or past Hepatitis B infection
- Differentiating between acute, chronic, and resolved HBV infections (with supporting markers)
- Evaluating immunity and vaccination status
- Screening blood donors and high-risk individuals
Why is an Anti HBcAg Total Test Done?
Your doctor may recommend this test to:
- Detect past or present Hepatitis B infection
- Distinguish between vaccination-induced and infection-induced immunity
- Screen blood donors to prevent HBV transmission
- Assess chronic liver disease when other hepatitis markers are inconclusive
- Support monitoring of HBV therapy and recovery (as part of a complete HBV panel)
It is often done along with other Hepatitis B tests such as HBsAg, Anti-HBs, and Anti-HBc IgM for a complete Hepatitis B panel.
When Should You Get an Anti HBcAg Total Test?
You may be advised to get this test if you have:
- Symptoms of Hepatitis B infection such as fatigue, jaundice, nausea, dark urine, or abdominal pain
- A history of blood transfusion or dialysis
- Unprotected sexual contact or sharing of contaminated needles
- Chronic liver disease or unexplained elevated liver enzymes
- Routine screening before surgery, pregnancy, or vaccination
- Occupational exposure to blood (healthcare workers, lab technicians)
Importance of Anti HBcAg Total Test
This test is critical for:
- Early detection of Hepatitis B infection
- Differentiation between vaccinated and previously infected individuals
- Preventing transmission through donor blood screening
- Monitoring of chronic carriers for disease progression (with other HBV markers and liver tests)
- Evaluating liver health in patients with abnormal liver function tests
Anti HBcAg Total Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare
How to Book the Anti HBcAg Total Test and Get Reports?
- Book Online: Visit the Metropolis Healthcare website or mobile app. Search for “Anti HBcAg Total Test,” choose your preferred time slot, and schedule your test.
- Home Sample Collection: A certified technician will visit your home to collect a blood sample safely.
- Sample Processing: The test is conducted using Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) technology.
- Get Reports Quickly: Reports are usually available within 8 hours via email, WhatsApp, or the Metropolis app.
How Long Does It Take to Get Anti HBcAg Total Test Results?
Reports are generally ready within 8 hours after sample collection.
Note: Turnaround time may vary based on your location and testing center workload.
Where to Access Anti HBcAg Total Test Reports?
Results can be accessed through the Metropolis Healthcare website, mobile app, or via email and WhatsApp. You can also collect a printed copy from your nearest Metropolis lab.
Understanding Anti HBcAg Total Test Results
|
Result |
Interpretation |
|
Non-Reactive (< 1 S/CO) |
No detectable antibodies. The person has likely never been infected with HBV. |
|
Reactive (≥ 1 S/CO) |
Indicates past or ongoing infection with Hepatitis B virus. Additional testing may be required to confirm infection status. |
Interpreting Anti HBcAg Total with Other Hepatitis B Markers
|
Test Pattern |
Meaning |
Interpretation |
|
HBsAg (+), Anti-HBc Total (+) |
Active infection |
Current Hepatitis B infection |
|
HBsAg (-), Anti-HBc Total (+) |
Past infection |
Recovered or resolved Hepatitis B infection (consider Anti-HBs and clinical correlation) |
|
HBsAg (-), Anti-HBs (+), Anti-HBc (-) |
Vaccine immunity |
Immunity due to vaccination |
|
All Negative |
Susceptible |
Not infected or immunized; vaccination recommended |
Preparation for Anti HBcAg Total Test
- No fasting required.
- Maintain normal diet and fluid intake.
- Inform your doctor about any medications that could affect immune function.
- Avoid strenuous activity or alcohol before sample collection.
How Is the Anti HBcAg Total Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
- Preparation: A tourniquet is applied to the arm to make the vein visible.
- Cleaning: The area is cleaned using antiseptic.
- Sample Collection: About 3 ml of blood is drawn into a gel vacutainer.
- Completion: The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
- Processing: The sample is tested using Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) to detect antibodies against the HBc antigen.
Conditions That May Influence Anti HBcAg Total Test Results
- Immunosuppressive drugs or therapies
- Recent blood transfusions
- Early-stage infection (before antibodies develop)
- Chronic liver disease or co-infections (HCV or HIV)
Diseases Detected or Monitored by Anti HBcAg Total Test
This test helps diagnose or monitor:
- Acute Hepatitis B infection (with supporting markers such as Anti-HBc IgM and HBsAg)
- Chronic Hepatitis B carrier state
- Resolved past infection
- Hepatitis B reactivation in immunocompromised patients
- Liver disease due to HBV
Anti HBcAg Total Test Price in Different Cities
The cost of a Anti HBcAg Total Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate price range for the Anti HBcAg Total Test at Metropolis Healthcare in major Indian cities:
|
City |
Approximate Cost (INR) |
|
₹ 1,000 to ₹ 1,300 |
|
|
₹ 1,000 to ₹ 1,300 |
|
|
₹ 1,000 to ₹ 1,300 |
|
|
₹ 1,000 to ₹ 1,300 |
The Anti HBcAg Total Test cost may vary depending on the city and the specific tests included in the panel. However, Metropolis Healthcare offers competitive Anti HBcAg Total Test prices across major cities in India.
References
- Hollinger F.B., & Liang T.J. (2001). Hepatitis B virus. Fields Virology, 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. PMID: 11419078
- Shepard C.W., et al. (2006). Hepatitis B virus infection: Epidemiology and vaccination. Epidemiologic Reviews, 28(1), 112–125. PMID: 16754644
- CDC. (2023). Interpretation of Hepatitis B Serologic Test Results. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- WHO. (2022). Guidelines for the prevention, care, and treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis B infection.
Anti HBcAg Total Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Anti HBcAg Total with a clear pricing structure.
The Anti HBcAg Total Price in Mumbai is ₹ 1,300 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
It detects total antibodies (IgM and IgG) against the Hepatitis B core antigen to determine past or present infection.
No, fasting is not required.
No. It measures total antibodies; Anti-HBc IgM is needed to confirm a recent infection.
It means you have been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus at some point. Further tests like HBsAg and Anti-HBs may be required.
Yes, it helps confirm whether immunity is from infection or vaccination.
The test is performed using Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA).
The report is usually available after 8 hours.
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We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.

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