Hepatitis B Core IgM

Description: 
Qualitative chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) for the detection of IgM antibodies to Hepatitis B core antibody in serum. A positive Core IgM is suggestive of acute infection and is normally requested in-lab when a first positive result for Hepatitis B sAg is detected. The core IgM can occasionally persist for several years so a clear history is still needed to help time acquisition. This assay is available as a follow-up test Mon to Fri.
Clinical details: 
Acute Hepatitis B in adults presents with malaise and jaundice with a significant transaminitis on blood testing. All cases of acute Hepatitis B should be notifed to the local health protection unit.
Related condition or disease: 
Hepatitis B
Reference range: 

Not Applicable

Synonyms or keywords: 
HBV, HepB
Units: 
Qualitative - Detected/Not detected or Equivocal
Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
2.5 – 5ml Yellow Top Serum Separation Tube (SST) Clotted Blood (for serum).
Turnaround time: 
3 working days
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). To prevent sample haemolysis, please store sample in refrigerator if there is a delay in sending samples to CSR.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at St Thomas'

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Last updated: 04/12/2017