All tests › Infection and immunity tests

Hepatitis B core antibody

Infection and immunity tests · also printed as Anti-HBc, HBcAb, Hep B core antibody, Hepatitis B core Ab, HBc antibody

Typical UK adult rangeExpected result: Negative

Negative is the expected result in people who have never been infected.

What this test measures

Anti-HBc is the antibody against the inner core of the hepatitis B virus. It appears with any infection, past or present, and never after vaccination, so it separates the two.

Why doctors request it

Part of full hepatitis B screening and checked before some immune-suppressing medicines, because a past infection can reactivate.

What commonly pushes it up

Past hepatitis B infection, whether cleared or not
Current infection

What commonly pushes it down

A negative result is the usual finding

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Results can be equivocal and are then repeated
Recent vaccination or infection elsewhere can occasionally give a weak positive

About the sample

No fasting needed.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

Got a report with Hepatitis B core antibody on it?

Upload a photo or PDF and see every line against the range your lab printed, explained in plain English. First report free.

Read my report free

This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.