Eurofins Biomnis code

HBCAC

Synonyms

• .
• HBc - total antibodies
• HBV - Total anti-HBc antibodies
• HBV - total anti-HBc antibodies
• Total anti-HBc antibodies

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

Hepatitis B is an acute or fulminant infection of the liver parenchyma, but can also be minor and inapparent and become chronic to develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. Widespread throughout the world, it is due to an enveloped DNA virus (Hepadnaviridae) that cannot be cultured. Hepatitis B diagnostics and follow-up combine complementary serological and molecular tests. Immunological tests study several viral antigen systems and the antibodies induced. Molecular tests (viral DNA detection and quantitification) study in more detail the degree of HBV replication and therefore the stage of the infection. HBs antigen is located on the viral capsid. It appears in the second month and remains at a relatively low level and disappears after four months. Its persistence indicates transition to a chronic form and requires molecular tests. In chronic hepatitis, its presence indicates the "immunotolerant" phase; in the "immunoreactive" phase, its level will decline and subsequently disappear at the time of HBc seroconversion. However, at this stage, "pre c" mutants characterised by replication which is still active in spite of the disappearance of Hbe Ag and the appearance of anti-Hbe may appear.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• serum
•   Reftrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

Storage temperature (2-8°C) < 7 days during transport of specimen.

Methodology

EIA

Turnaround time

2 days