A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

Hepatitis B Core Antibody (with Reflex)

Core antibodies that reflect a past or current hepatitis B infection.

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  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
None
Nothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
Results
2 to 4 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

This test measures total antibodies (IgG and IgM) to the hepatitis B core protein, which can reflect a past or current infection. Vaccination does not produce them. If the first result is reactive, the lab runs a follow-up core IgM test on the same sample to help show whether an infection may be recent.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

For adults who want to know their hepatitis B status or past infection history, or whose provider suggested it. Many infections cause no symptoms. If you have symptoms, see a provider.

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

Your result shows whether hepatitis B core antibodies were found, which can help you and a healthcare provider understand whether you have had a hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), total
Anti-HBc is an antibody to the core of the hepatitis B virus. It appears after infection, not after vaccination, so a reactive result usually points to a past or current infection. If it is reactive, the lab checks the IgM type to see whether the infection may be recent.
Why it’s measured: Points to a past or current hepatitis B infection; vaccines do not cause it.
Hepatitis B core antibody, IgM (if total is reactive)
If the total core antibody is reactive, the lab runs the IgM type on the same sample. A reactive IgM usually points to a recent infection. A reactive total with a nonreactive IgM can reflect a past infection or one that is still present. A provider reads it with a surface antigen result, which is a separate test.
Why it’s measured: Run by the lab on the same sample to help show whether an infection may be recent.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 2 to 4 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

The total core antibody result is reported as reactive or nonreactive. If it is reactive, the follow-up core IgM result is reported too.

  • Your number next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

A reactive result is read with your other hepatitis B results. A healthcare provider can explain whether it points to a past or a current infection.

Which hepatitis B test?

Similar names, different questions. Each marker tells a provider something else.

Core antibody (total)

Antibodies your body makes to the core of the virus.

Looks for
IgG and IgM antibodies to the core protein
A positive relates to
A past or current infection
Vaccination
Absent after vaccination alone

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

If the total core antibody result is reactive, the lab runs a core IgM test on the same sample.

The lab notes that when both are positive, the pattern points to a recent (acute) infection. A reactive total result with a negative IgM can reflect a past infection or one that is still present, so a provider reads it with other results such as surface antigen.

No. The lab notes that core antibodies are absent in people who have been vaccinated, so they come from infection, not from the vaccine. To look for antibodies from vaccination, a hepatitis B surface antibody test is used instead.

Not necessarily. The lab notes that total core antibody may be the sole hepatitis B marker found after a past infection. Whether an infection is current depends on other results, such as surface antigen. A healthcare provider can explain what your pattern of results means.

Biotin supplements can affect some lab results, including this one, and can push them falsely high or falsely low. Tell your healthcare provider if you take biotin. Don’t stop or change any medicine or supplement without talking with your healthcare provider.

Some positive results are reported to public health authorities as required by state law. Talk with a healthcare provider about any positive result.