{"product_id":"hepatitis-b-core-antibodies-blood-test","title":"Hepatitis B Core Antibodies Blood test","description":"\u003c!-- \nProduct: Hepatitis B Core Antibodies (IgM, IgG) Blood Test\nCollection: Infection \u0026 Immunity\nCategory: Medical Tests\nWebsite: Meditest\n--\u003e\n\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n    \/* Scoped styles for Shopify product description *\/\n    .product-listing-container {\n        font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, sans-serif;\n        line-height: 1.6;\n        color: #333;\n        background-color: #fff;\n        -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;\n        position: relative;\n        z-index: 1;\n        width: 100%;\n        max-width: 100%;\n        overflow: hidden;\n        clear: both;\n    }\n    \n    .product-listing-container * {\n        box-sizing: border-box;\n    }\n    \n    .product-listing-container .product-description {\n        margin-bottom: 30px;\n        font-size: 16px;\n        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font-size: 18px;\n        color: #2c7a7b;\n        font-weight: 600;\n    }\n    \n    .product-listing-container .medical-disclaimer p {\n        margin: 0 0 15px 0;\n        font-size: 14px;\n        color: #4a5568;\n        line-height: 1.6;\n    }\n    \n    .product-listing-container .medical-disclaimer p:last-child {\n        margin-bottom: 0;\n    }\n    \n    \/* Mobile responsiveness *\/\n    @media (max-width: 768px) {\n        .product-listing-container .product-description {\n            font-size: 15px;\n            margin-bottom: 25px;\n        }\n        \n        .product-listing-container .results-timing {\n            margin-top: 25px;\n            margin-bottom: 25px;\n            font-size: 15px;\n        }\n        \n        .product-listing-container .results-timing strong {\n            font-size: 16px;\n        }\n        \n        .product-listing-container .venous-test-section {\n            padding: 15px;\n            margin: 25px 0;\n        }\n        \n    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@media (max-width: 400px) {\n        .product-listing-container .product-description {\n            font-size: 14px;\n        }\n        \n        .product-listing-container .main-section-title {\n            font-size: 15px;\n        }\n        \n        .product-listing-container .category-title {\n            font-size: 15px;\n        }\n        \n        .product-listing-container .biomarker-name {\n            font-size: 13px;\n        }\n    }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-listing-container\"\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- Section 1: Product Description --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThe Hepatitis B Core Antibodies Blood Test detects both IgM and IgG antibodies against the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). This test is an essential component of hepatitis B serology, helping to determine whether you have been exposed to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and whether that exposure is recent (acute) or occurred in the past. Unlike antibodies to the surface antigen, core antibodies indicate actual infection with the virus rather than immunity from vaccination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThis test is ideal for individuals who want to check their hepatitis B status, those who may have been exposed to HBV through sexual contact, sharing needles, or occupational exposure, people with symptoms suggestive of hepatitis such as jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort, healthcare workers or others at increased risk of exposure, and anyone requiring a comprehensive assessment of hepatitis B infection history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- Section 2: Results Timing --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"results-timing\"\u003e\n        \u003cstrong\u003eResults ready within 3 working days\u003c\/strong\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eYour sample goes to a UKAS accredited laboratory meeting ISO 15189 standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- DOB Notice --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"dob-notice\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAction Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once your order confirmation arrives, please reply to the email with your date of birth. This helps us process your order quickly and avoid any delays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- Section 3: Venous Blood Sample --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"venous-test-section\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eHow to Collect and Return Your Sample\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThis test requires a venous blood sample, which must be collected by a trained phlebotomist. A finger-prick sample is not suitable for this test.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003ch4\u003eYour Options:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n        \u003cul\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse a Local Clinic:\u003c\/strong\u003e Many pharmacies, private clinics, and phlebotomy services offer blood collection. We can help you find a convenient location—contact our support team for assistance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n            \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArrange It Yourself:\u003c\/strong\u003e You're welcome to use any qualified phlebotomist or clinic of your choice. Your kit includes everything the phlebotomist needs to collect and package your sample.\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003c\/ul\u003e\n        \n        \u003cdiv class=\"fee-warning\"\u003e\n            \u003cp\u003eYour purchase covers the lab analysis and the kit itself. The blood draw fee is separate—you pay the clinic directly. Expect to pay around £30–£50 for sample collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- Section 4: Special Instructions --\u003e\n    \u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"meditest-special-instructions-hbcore\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"main-section\"\u003e\n        \u003clabel for=\"meditest-special-instructions-hbcore\" class=\"main-section-header\"\u003e\n            \u003ch2 class=\"main-section-title\"\u003eSpecial Instructions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"main-dropdown-icon\"\u003e▼\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/label\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-content\"\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-inner\"\u003e\n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo Fasting Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e This test does not require fasting. You may eat and drink normally before your blood collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiotin Supplements:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you take biotin (vitamin B7) supplements, particularly in high doses (more than 20mg per day), stop taking them for at least 72 hours before your blood test. High-dose biotin can interfere with the laboratory assay and may cause inaccurate results. If biotin has been prescribed by your doctor, discuss the timing with them before stopping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming After Potential Exposure:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you believe you may have been recently exposed to hepatitis B, be aware that antibodies may not be detectable immediately. IgM antibodies typically appear shortly after symptoms develop (if symptoms occur) and remain detectable for approximately 6 months. For accurate results following a known exposure, testing is usually recommended 4–6 weeks after the potential exposure event, with follow-up testing if indicated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther Medications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Most medications do not affect this test. However, immunosuppressive medications may affect antibody responses. If you are taking immunosuppressive therapy, please note this in your supporting information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                \n                \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterpreting Results:\u003c\/strong\u003e This test is often ordered alongside other hepatitis B markers such as HBsAg (surface antigen), anti-HBs (surface antibody), and HBeAg (e antigen) for a complete picture of hepatitis B status. A positive result should be discussed with your healthcare provider for proper interpretation and any necessary follow-up testing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- Section 5: Biomarkers --\u003e\n    \u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"meditest-biomarkers-hbcore\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"main-section\"\u003e\n        \u003clabel for=\"meditest-biomarkers-hbcore\" class=\"main-section-header\"\u003e\n            \u003ch2 class=\"main-section-title\"\u003eBiomarkers Tested (1)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n            \u003cspan class=\"main-dropdown-icon\"\u003e▼\u003c\/span\u003e\n        \u003c\/label\u003e\n        \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-content\"\u003e\n            \u003cdiv class=\"main-section-inner\"\u003e\n                \n                \u003c!-- Hepatitis B Serology --\u003e\n                \u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"meditest-cat-hepb-hbcore\"\u003e\n                \u003cdiv class=\"category-section\"\u003e\n                    \u003clabel for=\"meditest-cat-hepb-hbcore\" class=\"category-header\"\u003e\n                        \u003ch3 class=\"category-title\"\u003eHepatitis B Serology\u003c\/h3\u003e\n                        \u003cspan class=\"category-dropdown-icon\"\u003e▼\u003c\/span\u003e\n                    \u003c\/label\u003e\n                    \u003cdiv class=\"category-content\"\u003e\n                        \u003cdiv class=\"category-biomarkers\"\u003e\n                            \n                            \u003cinput type=\"checkbox\" id=\"meditest-bio-hbcore-1\"\u003e\n                            \u003cdiv class=\"biomarker-item\"\u003e\n                                \u003clabel for=\"meditest-bio-hbcore-1\" class=\"biomarker-header\"\u003e\n                                    \u003cspan class=\"biomarker-name\"\u003eHepatitis B Core Antibodies (Anti-HBc Total: IgM and IgG)\u003c\/span\u003e\n                                    \u003cspan class=\"dropdown-icon\"\u003e▼\u003c\/span\u003e\n                                \u003c\/label\u003e\n                                \u003cdiv class=\"biomarker-content\"\u003e\n                                    \u003cdiv class=\"biomarker-details\"\u003e\n                                        \u003cp\u003eHepatitis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                                        \u003cp style=\"margin-top: 15px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIgM Anti-HBc:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                                        \u003cp style=\"margin-top: 15px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIgG Anti-HBc:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                                        \u003cp style=\"margin-top: 15px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterpreting Results:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n                                    \u003c\/div\u003e\n                                \u003c\/div\u003e\n                            \u003c\/div\u003e\n                            \n                        \u003c\/div\u003e\n                    \u003c\/div\u003e\n                \u003c\/div\u003e\n                \n            \u003c\/div\u003e\n        \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- Medical Disclaimer --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"medical-disclaimer\"\u003e\n        \u003ch3\u003eMedical Disclaimer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003eThis test is for screening purposes only and is not intended as a medical diagnosis. A negative result does not exclude the possibility of hepatitis B infection, particularly if testing is performed too soon after potential exposure. Current laboratory methods may not detect all infected individuals, and false-positive results can occasionally occur due to interfering substances or non-specific reactivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003ePlease have your results reviewed by a qualified healthcare professional who can interpret them in the context of your clinical history, symptoms, risk factors, and other hepatitis B serological markers. If a positive result is obtained, further testing and clinical evaluation will be required to determine your hepatitis B status and any necessary management. Do not attempt to diagnose or treat hepatitis B infection based solely on these results without consulting your healthcare provider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Medi Test Direct","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":61335660659018,"sku":"Inuvi (HBC)","price":80.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0944\/5926\/5354\/files\/hep_b_core_antibodies_venous_box.png?v=1773433355","url":"https:\/\/meditestdirect.co.uk\/products\/hepatitis-b-core-antibodies-blood-test","provider":"Medi Test Direct","version":"1.0","type":"link"}