Hepatitis B Core Antibodies Blood test
£80 ✓ In Stock
Your sample goes to a UKAS accredited laboratory meeting ISO 15189 standards.
After you receive your order confirmation email, please reply with your date of birth.
How it works
Your testing journey
From order to results in four simple steps. Full transparency on where each step happens and what it costs.
Receive your kit by post
Dispatched same working day if ordered before 3pm. Royal Mail Tracked delivery, typically 1–3 working days. 90% of kits arrive within 24 hours.
Visit a partner clinic
Book a phlebotomy appointment at one of our 365+ UK partner clinics. Take your kit with you — the phlebotomist will collect your sample using the materials provided.
Phlebotomy fee applies (paid at clinic)
Venous blood draw at a clinic
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using the vacutainers provided in your kit. The appointment takes around 10 minutes.
Return by prepaid envelope
Seal your sample in the biohazard bag provided and drop it in any Royal Mail postbox using the prepaid Tracked 24 envelope. Post Monday–Thursday for best results.
Venous Blood Collection Kit
This kit is sent to you and taken to your chosen clinic. The phlebotomist will collect your sample using the materials provided.
- 1Vacutainer blood collection tubes
- 2Needle and butterfly needle
- 3Tourniquet
- 4Alcohol swab
- 5Cotton wool and gauze
- 6Adhesive plaster
- 7Biohazard specimen bag
- 8Prepaid return envelope (Royal Mail Tracked 24)
- 9Laboratory request form
- 10Instructions for the phlebotomist
Hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) are produced by the immune system in response to the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), which is found within the virus particle itself. Unlike the surface antigen, the core antigen does not circulate freely in the bloodstream—it is located inside infected liver cells. However, antibodies against it can be detected in the blood and are important markers of HBV infection. IgM Anti-HBc: This antibody class appears early during acute HBV infection, typically shortly after symptoms develop. It is the primary marker used to identify recent or acute hepatitis B infection. IgM anti-HBc usually remains detectable for approximately 6 months after acute infection and then declines. Importantly, IgM anti-HBc may be the only detectable marker during the "window period"—a brief phase when the surface antigen (HBsAg) has been cleared but surface antibodies (anti-HBs) have not yet appeared. IgG Anti-HBc: This antibody class appears shortly after IgM and persists for life. The presence of IgG anti-HBc without IgM anti-HBc indicates either a chronic HBV infection or a resolved past infection. IgG anti-HBc alone cannot distinguish between these states—additional markers such as HBsAg and anti-HBs are needed for complete interpretation. Interpreting Results: A positive total anti-HBc test indicates that you have been infected with hepatitis B at some point (vaccination does not produce core antibodies). The clinical significance depends on other markers: IgM positivity suggests acute infection; IgG positivity with negative HBsAg and positive anti-HBs suggests resolved infection with immunity; IgG positivity with positive HBsAg suggests chronic infection. Isolated anti-HBc positivity (positive anti-HBc with negative HBsAg and negative anti-HBs) can occur and requires further evaluation.
This test is for screening and information only — it is not a medical diagnosis or professional advice. Please have your results reviewed by a qualified doctor or healthcare provider who can explain what they mean for your personal health situation. If your results show anything outside the normal range, or if you're worried about your health, see your doctor as soon as you can. Don't change any medications or treatments based on these results alone — always talk to your healthcare provider first.
NO CLINICS, NO QUEUES, NO HASSLE
Four steps to clarity
01
Pick your panel
Browse over 200 clinically designed test kits and choose the one that fits your goals.
02
Kit to your door
Everything you need arrives in discreet packaging with step-by-step instructions inside.
03
Collect your sample
Follow the simple instructions in your kit — whether it's a finger-prick at home or a venous draw at a partner clinic.
04
Insights delivered
Clear, easy-to-understand results sent to you online with actionable health guidance.
Frequently asked questions
This profile tests for all three main hepatitis viruses: hepatitis A (immunity status), hepatitis B (surface antigen, surface antibody, core antibody), and hepatitis C (antibody screening). It gives a comprehensive picture in a single blood test.
Travellers, healthcare workers, people with multiple sexual partners, anyone who has had tattoos or piercings, people who may have been exposed to contaminated blood, and anyone unsure of their vaccination status.
No. This test is not affected by food or drink.
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