Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total

This test is for the total (that is IgG and IgM) Hepatitis B Core Antibody present, and is an indication of previous or ongoing infection from Hepatitis B - if IgM is present, infection is current, if IgG is also present it is likely to be longer standing, if IgG alone is present the infection may have resolved.

Hepatitis B (HBV) is a vaccine-preventable infection with significant risk of future deterioration of health for people who develop chronic hepatitis. HBV is a transmitted virus which can be acquired by blood or blood products contracted via contaminated needles, tattooing or body piercing. It can also be transmitted by sexual contact between an infected and non immune partner.

Please be aware that if contact has been within the past 3-4 weeks, the antibodies to HBV may not have reached a detectable level - in which case repeat testing a further 4 weeks later should be considered, especially if the risk of having acquired one of these infections is considered to be high.

This test is NOT available as a finger prick BUT is available as a vacutainer sample collection option. You can make your own arrangement for blood collection, or choose to visit a Circle Hospital or Superdrug store, or to opt for a Nurse Home Visit. Select option at checkout.