HBC Total Antibody Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, & More

Hepatitis B Core Total Antibodies (HBC) Test

Hepatitis is a severe infection if not treated on time. Doctors use the term for ‘liver inflammation.’ There are five major types of hepatitis: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, & E. Each stage has symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Hepatitis B is an acute and chronic disease transmitted through body fluids (blood) or from mother to child during birth. There is no cure for hepatitis B; however, treatment can minimize damage.

You may not recognize hepatitis B as its symptoms are common. You may feel nausea, vomiting, joint pain, or fatigue. If you do, consult a doctor. They can suggest taking the hepatitis B test. Get it from Redcliffe Labs. The HBC lab test at Redcliffe Labs is for INR 1100. We are available across India, giving India the right to diagnostic services.

Test Details in Brief 

About the Hepatitis B Core Antibodies Test 

Hepatitis B or HBC test consists of three parts: 

• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)
• Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs or HBsAb) 
• Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc or HBcAB) 

All three parameters contribute to detecting the presence or infection of the virus. Each represents a different theory and is crucial for finalizing the presence. A positive HBsAg shows that you are infected with hepatitis B. A positive anti-HBs or HBsAb shows you are protected against the hepatitis B virus. A positive anti-HBc or HBcAb shows current or past signs of hepatitis B infection. 

Purpose of The HBC Test

Hepatitis B is an infection that causes liver diseases or inflammation. The HBC test can detect: 

• Presence of hepatitis B infection 
• Past exposure to HBV 
• Immunity to the hepatitis virus 

HBV spreads during birth, from mother to child, or from body fluids. The HBC lab test indicates hepatitis B virus. Factors such as geographical area, unprotected sex, sharing needles (for drug use), or during childbirth. The signs may be mild or severe. People recover from it within two weeks to six months without treatment. However, treatment may help in early recovery. 

5-10% of patients deal with chronic hepatitis B. During chronic hepatitis B, symptoms last more than six months or more. Symptoms include severe liver damage, liver cancer, or liver failure. 

What Does The HBC Test Measure?

The HBC test examines the antigens, genetic materials, antibodies, or HBV. These antigens are particles from the HBV that prevent your body from producing a strong immune system. The HBC lab test measures the HBV antibodies and antigens. The HBC blood test also measures:

• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): Doctors find signs of this protein in high levels during acute and chronic hepatitis B infection. It is mostly present on the surface of HBV. 
• Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs): Your body produces antibodies within a few weeks or months to fight HBsAg infection. The presence of anti-HBs indicates that you have recovered from hepatitis B. 
• Total Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBs)- anti-HBs appear when you develop signs of hepatitis. The HBC test measures the type of anti-HBc antibodies (IgM and IgC anti-HBc antibodies). 
• IgM Hepatitis B core antibody (IgM anti-HBc): The HBC blood test measures IgM anti-HBc antibodies. They are present during acute (within six months) hepatitis B infection. 

What Makes HBC Test Important?

Approx 50% of people with acute hepatitis B have no symptoms. Nearly half of the infected people have no idea about their infection. They are unknowingly spreading hepatitis B. The HBC test is important for diagnosing and treatment of asymptomatic people. 

Treating hepatitis B in its initial stage prevents the chronic stage, i.e., severe liver disease. Routine check-ups and testing may help in preventing severe diseases and provide treatment for the hepatitis virus. Early detection prevents transmission.

Why Would A Doctor Recommend the HBC Test?

Your doctor may recommend taking the HBC Test for plenty of reasons. These include: 

• Monitoring HBV infection, complications, and response to the treatment. 
• Looking at current or past HBV infection. 
• Checking for the functioning of hepatitis vaccination. 
• Identifying those at high risk of HBV reactivation. 
• Diagnosing hepatitis B infection, whether it's mild or severe. 
• Screening when there are no symptoms of hepatitis B infection. 
• As a part of regular check-ups.
• Monitoring the condition of the liver. 

When Should You Take The HBC Test?

There are several reasons or situations when you should take the HBC test. However, a doctor may suggest the test if they see any symptoms. 

• If you are HIV positive 
• If you are pregnant 
• If you take injectable drugs 
• If you are sexually active, 
• If you are born in parts of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, South America, and the Middle East (more prone to the disease). 
• If you have a family history of liver inflammation. 
• If you have symptoms of hepatitis B.
• If you haven’t received the hepatitis B vaccine, 

Signs and Symptoms Hepatitis B

A doctor may recommend the HBC blood test based on these signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B. These are: 

• Pain in joints or abdomen 
• Fatigue 
• Dark urine 
• Gray or clay-colored stools
• Loss of appetite 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Yellowing eyes and skin
• Fever 
• Chills 

Screening or Testing For Hepatitis B: Which is Better?

Screening refers to serologic testing that helps asymptomatic people who may be at no risk of exposure to hepatitis B. 

Testing refers to serologic testing of people with symptoms or people who are at risk of exposure to hepatitis B. Doctors suggest taking the HBC test, especially for adults, infants, and pregnant women. 

For Adults 

Doctors suggest that adults take screening tests at least once in their lifetime. This will help them monitor HBV symptoms and risks. 

For Infants 

Infants born to HBsAg-positive people and with anti-HBs antibodies must take the test. Infants are at a higher risk of catching hepatitis B. 

For Pregnant Women 

Pregnant women should take the HBC test during every trimester, regardless of vaccination history or testing. They have a high chance of developing hepatitis B. Moreover, they can transfer it to their baby as well. 

How To Book The HBC Test From Redcliffe Labs?

Redcliffe Labs offers 3,600+ tests, including the HBC test, which costs INR 1100. We believe in providing quality diagnostic services to every Indian, and our services are available nationwide. 

You can book the HBC lab test from our website or mobile app. You can find our app on both the Play Store and the App Store. Visit our website or download our app and search for the ‘HBC test.’ Add it to the cart test, fill out your details, and book it. 

We offer a home sample collection service, where our phlebotomists will visit your home. Our phlebotomists are DMLT-certified and experts in collecting and transporting blood samples. To determine whether hepatitis B is present, book the test from Redcliffe Labs. 

Preparation for The HBC Test 

The HBC test requires no major preparation. However, there are certain guidelines you can keep in mind while preparing for the HBC blood test. 

• There is no need to fast or diet before the HBC test. Nonetheless, follow only if recommended. 
• Blood tests can make you weak; better keep yourself hydrated. 
• Hepatitis B may bring a plethora of questions. Better ask them about your doctor. 
• Don’t get up instantly from bed before the HBC test, as it may rush muscles and hinder reports. 
• Liver diseases may bring stress or anxiety; try to prevent it. Stress directly impacts the brain, neurological system, and immune system. 
• Practice deep-breathing exercises such as yoga and meditation. It can keep your mind relaxed and refreshed. 
• Avoid putting excessive pressure on yourself. Lift either small objects or nothing. 
• Relax as much as you can before and after the test. 
• Avoid wearing long-sleeved shirts.

The procedure of The HBC Test 

For the HBC test, only blood samples are required. A phlebotomist collects blood that detects Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs or HBsAb), Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), and Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc or HBcAB). For the HBC lab test, the procedure they will follow includes the following steps: 

• On your arm or hand, they will find an appropriate vein. 
• Tie a band on the upper arm to increase blood flow. 
• On the located vein site, they will clean with an alcohol antiseptic wipe. 
• Insert a sterile syringe into the vein to collect blood samples. 
• ● Within a couple of minutes, the phlebotomist will collect the blood. 
• Once done, they will transport the sample to a container for testing. 
• They will apply pressure from a cotton swab to the punctured site. 
• Once done and transported, you will receive your reports within 36 hours. 

Risks Associated with the HBC Test 

The doctor inserts a syringe into your veins, which is why you may experience: 

• Several punctures 
• Skin infection 
• Slight pain 
• Excessive or unnecessary bleeding 
• Hematoma 
• Bruises 
• Weakness 
• Fatigue 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Maybe, a blood clot

Results of The HBC Test 

After booking and getting tested from Redcliffe Labs, you will receive your reports online in a message within a given time. However, after being tested, you can consult your doctors or call us for a free consultation. 

You can ask your doctor with questions like: 

1. Do I need any follow-up tests?
2. Do I have a chronic or acute hepatitis B infection?
3. Does the test suggest that I have immunity to hepatitis B?
4. Is there any benefit of Hepatitis B vaccination for me?
5. What was my test result?

These questions provide a better understanding of the HBC test. This discussion will clarify any need for follow-up or negative results. 

Your doctor is the best person to guide you through the HBC test reports. However, here is an interpretation of the test report. 

Risk Factors Affecting The HBC Test 

Certain people, regardless of age, have high risks for exposure to hepatitis B. This includes: 

• People with a history of multiple sex partners. 
• People who are more involved in sexually transmitted infections. 
• People born in areas with hepatitis B infection 
• Infants born to HBsAg-positive people. 
• People with HIV infection or had a history of HIV. 
• People born or incarcerated in jail or prison. 
• People who inject drugs or have a history. 
• Men who have sex with men. 
• Family history of hepatitis B. 
• People who have hepatitis B or had. 
• People who have shared the same needles. 
• People on maintenance dialysis. 
• People with high liver enzymes. 

Follow-Up 

Even if the HBC test reports are negative, your doctor may recommend certain tests to monitor the disease. They can suggest tests, including: 

• Hepatitis B viral DNA 
• Hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe)
• Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)

Get Yourself Tested From Redcliffe Labs!

The HBC test price is INR 1100 at Redcliffe Labs. We offer a home sample collection service. Our labs follow NABL and ISO-certified guidelines with a Six Sigma process to deliver 100% report correctness. Our labs use the latest technology for testing. With us, you can be assured of correct reports. You can book the test online from our website or visit our labs near you. We are available across India. The HBC test price is per market size, making it affordable for every Indian. So, if you see symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, nausea, or loss of appetite, get yourself tested by Redcliffe Labs. 

Hepatitis B Core Total Antibodies (HBc) Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Hepatitis B Core Total Antibodies (HBc) Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.