Save Tax with full body checkups starting at ₹1699
Orange Health
Search for tests or checkups
 Tests
 Checkups
Support
    Anti-HBc IgM1359113017% off
    trust markerMins HomeCollection
    trust markerHappyCustomers
    trust markerGoogleRating
    trust markerCertifiedLabs

    What is Anti-HBc IgM Test?

    The Anti-HBc IgM test is a blood test that detects IgM antibodies, which are produced by the immune system in response to a recent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

    Hepatitis B infection is a widespread viral infection which mainly affects the liver. When the body is exposed to the virus, the immune system produces antibodies to combat it. In the early stages of HBV infection, a specific type of antibody called IgM is produced against the hepatitis B core (HBc) antigen. This antibody typically appears shortly after the onset of symptoms and can be detected in the blood for up to 6 months after infection.

    IgM anti-HBc rises rapidly in acute hepatitis B infections and persists for weeks to months, indicating recent infection (less than 6 months). While HBsAg is typically present, it may be undetectable in some cases. Elevated liver enzymes are common during acute infection, and IgM anti-HBc can remain detectable even after HBsAg disappears. A non-reactive result excludes recent infection but does not rule out chronic hepatitis B. In chronic carriers, IgM may briefly appear if the disease becomes active. The test helps differentiate acute HBV from other hepatitis infections.

    This test is especially beneficial for individuals who may be showing symptoms of liver issues or have had potential exposure to hepatitis B.

    Anti-HBc IgM Test Parameters

    The Anti-HBc IgM test measures only one parameter: the presence of IgM antibodies against the hepatitis B core (HBc) antigen in the blood.

    These antibodies are produced during the early stages of infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and are a key marker for recent infection, typically within the past six months. A positive Anti-HBc IgM result indicates acute HBV infection, while its presence in chronic cases may signify severe flares or reactivation of the virus.

    Antibodies play an essential role in the immune system's response to HBV. When the virus infects the body, the immune system produces specific antibodies to fight it. The two types of anti-HBc antibodies are IgM and IgG. IgM antibodies appear during acute or recent infections and diminish after about six months. In contrast, IgG antibodies remain detectable for life, signifying past or chronic HBV infection.

    The Anti-HBc IgM test is crucial for diagnosing acute hepatitis B, especially when symptoms are present or when recent exposure to HBV is suspected. It enables early diagnosis and helps guide timely treatment decisions.

    Anti-HBc IgM Test Preparation

    When scheduling an Anti-HBc IgM test, consider the following points:

    Prerequisites: Fasting is not a mandatory requirement for Anti-HBc IgM test.

    Best Time to Get Tested: There is no specified time to get tested for Anti-HBc IgM test. So, you can schedule it as per your convenience.

    Who Should Get an Anti-HBc IgM Test?: The Anti-HBc IgM test is for those with hepatitis symptoms, abnormal liver tests, recent hepatitis B exposure, residents in high-risk areas, or blood donors needing screening.

    Cautions Before Taking Anti-HBc IgM Test: You need not take any precautions before taking the Anti-HBc IgM test.

    Why Take the Anti-HBc IgM Test?

    The Anti-HBc IgM test is recommended for:

    • Individuals with symptoms of hepatitis, such as jaundice, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, and joint aches.

    • Individuals with abnormal liver function test results that suggest possible hepatitis B infection.

    • Those recently exposed to hepatitis B, such as through contact with an infected person or in medical settings.

    • People living in areas with high hepatitis B prevalence, where distinguishing between acute and chronic infections is essential for diagnosis.

    • Blood donors, as part of routine screening in blood banks to ensure safe transfusions.

    The Anti-HBc IgM test is a valuable tool in identifying recent HBV infections, supporting timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

    FAQs on Anti-HBc IgM Test in Bangalore

    The cost of the Anti-HBc IgM test in Bangalore is ₹1130. This includes convenient home sample collection, which will occur within 60 minutes of booking confirmation. The results will be delivered within 4 hours after the sample is collected.

    Yes, Orange Health Labs provides home sample collection for Anti-HBc IgM tests in Bangalore. A qualified eMedic will arrive at your location to collect the sample within 60 minutes after booking, depending on available slots.

    The Anti-HBc IgM test is used for diagnosing and staging hepatitis B infection. It helps identify recent, acute infections (less than 6 months) and can detect changes in chronic carriers moving from inactive to active HBV replication. A reactive result indicates a recent acute infection, while a non-reactive result excludes recent infection but doesn't rule out chronic infection. Results should be considered alongside patient history and other hepatitis markers.

    No fasting is generally required before an Anti-HBc IgM test. However, it is always advisable to follow any specific instructions given by your doctor.

    To book the Anti-HBc IgM test, follow these steps:

      The normal Anti-HBc IgM test results are negative (< 5 PEIU/ml), indicating no recent infection. Equivocal (5–9 PEIU/ml) suggests possible early or resolving infection, and positive (≥ 10 PEIU/ml) indicates recent acute infection.

      After booking the Anti-HBc IgM test, an eMedic will collect the sample within 60 minutes of booking. You can expect your results within 4 hours after the sample collection.

      The frequency of the Anti-HBc IgM test depends on your health condition and personal circumstances. Consult with your doctor for guidance.

      The Anti-HBc IgM test measures a single parameter: the presence of Anti-HBc IgM in the blood.

      Orange Health offers home sample collection for the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme test in multiple locations throughout Bangalore, including areas such as Adugodi, Banashankari, Bannerghatta, Basavanagudi, Bellandur, BTM Layout, Chamrajpet, Cottonpet, CV Raman Nagar, Frazer Town, Giri Nagar, Hebbal, Domlur, Hennur, Hosur, HSR Layout, Electronic City, Jakkur, Jalahalli, Jaya Nagar, Kadugodi, Kammanahalli, Kengeri, Koramangala, Mahalakshmi Layout, Madiwala, Magadi Road, Malleshwaram, Marathahalli, Mathikere, Mysore Road, Nagarbhavi, Nandhini Layout, Old Airport Road, Peenya, RT Nagar, Rajaji Nagar, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Sadashivnagar, Sahakara Nagar, Sanjay Nagar, Sarjapur, Seshadripuram, Shanthi Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Sri Nagar, Tyagarajnagar, Uttarahalli, Vasanth Nagar, Vidyaranyapura, Vijaya Nagar, Whitefield, Yelahanka, and Yeshwantpur.

      The Orange Health Experience

      Choose precision
      Not a pilot, just as precise
      No more painful pricks
      Trust our fully automated and certified labs
      Customers love us

      Choose precision

      On time, every time!

      • 98% on time collections with a 60 minutes promise
      • 99% reports are delivered on time within 6 hours

      Not a pilot, just as precise

      Meet our expert eMedics!

      • Hygienic, well groomed, and professional eMedics
      • With over 100 hours of training

      No more painful pricks

      Experience painless testing!

      • Our eMedics are trained for a single, painless prick.
      • Don’t believe us? We asked our customers and here is what they said - 98% of customers experienced no pain during sample collection!
      • The most organised sample collection box and experience

      Trust our fully automated and certified labs

      For accurate testing

      • Certified labs
      • eQAS partnership with AIIMS and CMC Vellore
      • We have our own fully automated labs in all 4 cities we are available in

      Customers love us

      The highest rated lab!

      • Google rating: 4.9/5 (16000+ reviews)
      • 1 million+ customers tested
      4.9
      Google Rating

      Highest Rated Diagnostic Lab

      Payment & Refund Policy

      • We do not accept cash payments
      • All modes of online payment are accepted
      • Refunds will be credited back to the source of payment within 3 hours of order cancellation.

      References

      1. HBc IgM (Anti-Hepatitis B core IgM) | Newfoundland & Labrador Public Health Laboratory.  Available from:  https://publichealthlab.ca/reportingname/hbc-igm-anti-hepatitis-b-core-igm/
      2. CDC. Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Hepatitis B.  Available from:  https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-b/hcp/diagnosis-testing/index.html
      3. Hepatitis B Foundation. Hepatitis B Foundation: Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results. https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/diagnosis/understanding-your-test-results/  Available from:  https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/diagnosis/understanding-your-test-results/
      4. Hepatitis B Foundation. Hepatitis B Foundation: Hepatitis B Blood Tests.  Available from:  https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/diagnosis/hbv-blood-tests/
      5. Clinical Significance and Remaining Issues of Anti-HBc Antibody and HBV Core-Related Antigen. Diagnostics.  Available from:  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/14/7/728
      6. Hepatitis Panel: MedlinePlus Lab Test Information.  Available from:  https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hepatitis-panel/