HBcAb test in the diagnosis of hepatitis B

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Hepatitis B is a global disease caused by the HBV virus. If not detected and treated in time, the disease is easy to progress and cause complications of cirrhosis, liver cancer,... Therefore, when suspected of having hepatitis B, patients need to perform many diagnostic methods. , including the HBcAb test.

1. Hepatitis B and Diagnostic Tests

Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (referred to as HBV). The disease can be transmitted through blood, sex or mother-to-child transmission. Hepatitis B can be acute and 90% of cases will be completely cured. The remaining 10% of cases turn to chronic hepatitis B, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer if the patient is not treated actively and effectively.
To diagnose hepatitis B accurately, doctors often order patients to perform many different tests. Depending on each case and specific purpose, each type of hepatitis B test will have different meanings with separate test indicators or in combination. Hepatitis B tests are performed to check for and detect hepatitis B, diagnose the condition, the extent of liver damage, or monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Hepatitis B tests include: HBsAg, Anti-HBs (HBsAb), HBeAg, Anti-HBe (HBeAb), Anti-HBc (HBcAb), Anti-HBc IgM.

2. Overview of the HBcAb test in the diagnosis of hepatitis B

The HBcAb (Hepatitis B core Antibody) or Anti-HBc test is called the hepatitis B virus core antibody test. This antibody appears very early and persists for life. Anti-HBcAb test results are positive or reactive, indicating that the patient is or has ever been infected with hepatitis B virus. Anti-HBc is only produced when the body is infected with hepatitis B virus, not formed after when vaccinated against hepatitis B. Therefore, this is a test that helps doctors assess that a patient has been exposed to the hepatitis B virus.
There are 2 types of HBcAb antibodies, IgM and IgG:
HBcAb IgM: An antibody that appears and increases in concentration very quickly during acute hepatitis B or acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B. After the acute phase, the concentration of this antibody in the blood will gradually decrease. HBcAb IgG: Occurs during chronic hepatitis B infection. When hepatitis B is suspected, the patient will be assigned to perform HBcAb test along with other diagnostic tests such as HBsAg, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBV-DNA, liver enzymes,... to assess the presence or the activity of the virus in the body, from which there is an active and effective treatment plan. Once diagnosed, the patient needs to strictly follow the doctor's instructions in the treatment to minimize the risk of experiencing unpredictable complications from hepatitis B.

Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consulting services. and comprehensive, professional medical treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.

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