Lab test · Hepatology
Anti-HBc Total (Hepatitis B Core Antibody)
Past or current hepatitis B
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 2 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Past or current hepatitis B
Anti-HBc total measures antibodies (IgM and IgG together) against the core of the hepatitis B virus. These antibodies appear after infection but not after vaccination, because the vaccine contains only the surface protein. A positive result means a person has had hepatitis B at some time, either now or in the past, and it usually stays positive for life.
Why a doctor may order it
- To find out whether immunity to hepatitis B comes from infection or vaccination
- To investigate liver problems or abnormal liver tests
- Before chemotherapy or other treatment that weakens the immune system
- To interpret HBsAg and anti-HBs results together
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
You do not need to fast. Keep taking your usual medicines, and tell your doctor about any planned treatment that weakens the immune system.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- A trained collector draws a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm at home. The draw takes a few minutes.
- Report
- Within 2 days of collection.
What the results can mean
Results are read together with other hepatitis B tests. Anti-HBc positive with HBsAg positive points to a current infection. Anti-HBc positive with anti-HBs positive and HBsAg negative usually means a past infection with recovery and immunity. Anti-HBc positive on its own has several possible explanations, and your doctor may order more tests. Your doctor will interpret the pattern for you.
What's included
One test: Anti-HBc Total (Hepatitis B Core Antibody), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)HBsAg is a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus.
- Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody)Hepatitis B immunity (vaccine)৳550
- HBeAg (Hepatitis B e Antigen)Hepatitis B activity৳550
- Hepatitis B Viral Load (HBV DNA)This test measures how much hepatitis B virus genetic material (DNA) is in your blood, using a sensitive method called PCR.
- Liver Function Test (LFT)A liver function test is a group of blood tests that show how well your liver is working and whether it is inflamed or damaged.
- Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV)Hepatitis C screening৳450
Questions people ask
Does the hepatitis B vaccine make anti-HBc positive?
No. The vaccine contains only the surface protein, so it produces anti-HBs but not anti-HBc.
What does anti-HBc positive on its own mean?
It can mean a past infection where anti-HBs has faded, a hidden low-level infection, or occasionally a false positive. Your doctor may order HBV DNA or other tests.
Why is anti-HBc checked before chemotherapy?
In people who have had hepatitis B, strong treatments that weaken the immune system can reactivate the virus. Knowing this in advance helps doctors plan monitoring or protection.
How much does a Anti-HBc total test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳550, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Anti-HBc total test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Anti-HBc total report take?
The report is usually ready within 2 days of the sample being collected.