Hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc Ab) appear shortly after the onset of symptoms of hepatitis B infection and soon after the appearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
The test is useful for the diagnosis of recent or past hepatitis B infection. Determination of occult hepatitis B infection in otherwise healthy hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers with negative test results for hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis B surface, anti-hepatitis B core IgM, hepatitis Be antigen, and anti-HBe.
A positive result indicates acute, chronic, or past or resolved hepatitis B.
