HEPATITIS B CORE ANTIBODY TOTAL (HBCAB-TOTAL)

The "History Book" of Hepatitis B Exposure

The Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total test (Anti-HBc Total) is a blood test that determines if you have ever been infected with the Hepatitis B virus in your lifetime.

Unlike the "Surface" tests, which check for current infection or vaccine protection, the "Core" antibody is a permanent footprint. Once your immune system sees the "core" (inner part) of the Hepatitis B virus, it creates these antibodies, and they typically stay in your blood forever.

In short: This test answers the question, "Has my body ever met the Hepatitis B virus?"

Why Do You Need This Test?

Doctors use this test to fill in the gaps of your medical history. It is primarily ordered for:

Distinguishing Immunity:

• If you are immune to Hepatitis B, doctors need to know why.
• Vaccinated: You will be Core Negative.
• Recovered from Infection: You will be Core Positive.

Blood Donation Screening:

• Blood banks use this test to screen donated blood. Even if you are fully recovered, past infection can sometimes mean the virus is hiding (occult hepatitis), so "Core Positive" blood is often rejected for donation safety.

Detecting "Occult" Infection:

• In rare cases, a person can have the virus hiding in their liver even if the standard screening (HBsAg) is negative. The Core Total test helps find these hidden cases