Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total (IgG, IgM)  

 
IMPORTANT! Pre-approval needed from state or local health department. Local or State Health Department. Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.

NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see NUlirt Guide).

Forms Required - Nulirt batch list or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing will not be performed without all required information.

Please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459 for further clarification.

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Test: Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Total IgG, IgM
Order in NUlirt or complete NPHL Test Order Form  
Synonym: HBV, Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen; Anti-HBc; Core Antibody  
Method: Chemiluminescence  
Availability: Daily, Results in 24h  
Specimen: Blood  
Collection Device: One 6mL SST (Gold) tube or One 5mL EDTA (Lavender) tube.
Specimen Labeling: Test subject to CLIA regulations and requires 2 patient identifiers and specimen source on container.  
Volume: 1mL serum or plasma (0.5mL minimum)  
Storage/Transport:

Prior to and during shipment:  Refrigerate 2-8°C. If sample is not transported to lab the same day as collected, aliquot the serum or plasma. To aliquot: Centrifuge the sample and transfer the serum into a clean tube.
Shipping instructions, including specimen-handling requirements during transport:  Seal screw-top tubes with Parafilm™ or tape and place in biohazard bag with absorbent material.
Place specimen inside leak proof secondary container (biohazard bag and if transporting by air, use Tyvek™ Envelope) with adsorbent material. The secondary container must be packed inside an approved Category B shipping container filled with frozen gel-packs to keep specimen refrigerated. Position NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order form between secondary container and box lid. Seal with tape.  Label outer box as UN3373 Category B, Biological Substance. Transport by NPHL ground courier. If courier not available, ship by FedEx, UPS, or USPS (1st Class, Priority or Express Mail). Follow appropriate DOT/IATA Regulation Guidelines.  For assistance, call NPHL State Training Coordinator at (402) 559-3590.  
See instructions and shipping address: http://nphl.org/

NUlirt packing list or appropriate paperwork (completed in entirety) must accompany specimens.
 

 
Unacceptable: Vacutainers not separated, heparinized plasma  
Specimen Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: <12 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: 1 yr (avoid more than 2 freeze/thaw cycles)  
Reference Interval: Nonreactive  
Reportable Disease: Report positive Hepatitis B results immediately to local or state health department. Refer to Nebraska DHHS Title 173, Communicable Diseases.  
Comments: Pre-approval needed from state or local health department.  Send approval to NPHL@unmc.edu or call (402) 559-9444.
Test includes qualitative detection of total antibodies (IgM and IgG) to Hepatitis B virus.
NUlirt packing list or NPHL Test Order Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen.  
Revised: 6/9/2021 
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459.

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