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Overview

Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody Test

Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody Test

also known as: Anti-HBc, IgM, Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen, IgM

The Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody test is used to detect antibodies called IgM in your blood. The test is used to find out whether you are actively infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The HBV has an envelope surrounding the central core. During the active stage of infection, your immune system will make IgM antibodies to the core of HBV. These antibodies usually appear in the blood after several weeks after you are first infected with HBV. The core antibodies will not be present in the bodies of people who have had the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Wear a half-sleeved shirt as full sleeved shirt might pose difficulty in pulling up the sleeves. Do not wear sweater or jacket. The patient should avoid taking multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin or vitamin B7 which are present in hair, skin and nail supplements and multivitamins for 24 hours before this blood collection. If your blood sample is needed for other tests then fasting may be required in some cases. Please kindly follow the instructions given by the lab.

As said earlier the major use of this IgM serum test is to find out whether a person is infected with HBV virus or not. From the test reports, we can conclude that:

  • If HBsAg – negative, anti-HBc - negative & anti-HBs - negative, then the patient is Susceptible.
  • If HBsAg – negative, anti-HBc - positive & anti-HBs - positive, then the patient is immune due to natural infection.
  • If HBsAg – negative, anti-HBc - negative & anti-HBs - positive, then the patient is immune due to hepatitis B vaccination.
  • If HBsAg – positive, anti-HBc – positive, anti-HBs – negative & IgM anti-HBc – positive, then the patient is acutely infected.
  • If HBsAg – positive, anti-HBc – positive, anti-HBs – negative & IgM anti-HBc – negative, then the patient is chronically infected.

If HBsAg – negative, anti-HBc – positive, anti-HBs – negative, then the interpretation is unclear, which means:

  • Resolved infection (most common)
  • False-positive anti-HBc, thus susceptible.
  • “Low level” chronic infection
  • Resolving acute infection

About 1 ml or just two teaspoons of the blood sample will be drawn from your body. This test needs to be conducted in a well-equipped diagnostic lab with Serum IgM test facility. The skin is cleaned with an alcohol pad. In the next step, the needle will be inserted into the body through the vein which is easily visible over the cleaned skin. The blood sample will be collected through the tube attached to the needle which contains the serum gel. The tube is separated from the needle and closed with a lid and with the patient’s name on it. The blood sample tube is shaken down to remove serum from clot and then it is sent to the research laboratory for examination.

Specimen
Serum or plasma
Volume
1 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or lavender-top (EDTA) tube.
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Hepatitis B Core Antibodies
Unisex
All age groups
Antibodies are not normally present
Average price range of the test is between Rs.50 to Rs.2000 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.

Table of Content

What is Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody Test?
Preparation for Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody Test
Uses of Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody Test
Procedure for Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody Test
Price for Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody Test
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Popular Questions & Answers

What are the possible causes of serious and continuous hiccup? Give me some possible remedies dear doctors.

MBBS
General Physician, Durg
What are the possible causes of serious and continuous hiccup? Give me some possible remedies dear doctors.
If irritation start in stomach causes of infection in digestion hyperacidity hepatitis A gall bladder stone and more. Treatment depending on cause .you can take cap tzoy one cap one time a day, syp acivay 2 tsf 2 tims a day after meal.
5 people found this helpful

Hello doctor, I have done my bone screening. In my reports there is phosphorus increased 6.1 and Alkaline phosphates also increase 152. Calcium is normal 8.9. Please explain what are the causes of increasing phosphorus and Alkaline phosphates and what are the solutions to make up these in level. Please suggest the medicines too. Thanks.

M.D. Consultant Pathologist, CCEBDM Diabetes, PGDS Sexology USA, CCMTD Thyroid, ACDMC Heart Disease, CCMH Hypertension, ECG
Sexologist, Sri Ganganagar
Hello doctor,
I have done my bone screening. In my reports there is phosphorus increased 6.1 and Alkaline phosphates ...
This could include hepatitis (infection), cirrhosis (scarring), liver cancer, gallstones, or a blockage in your bile ducts. High levels may also indicate an issue related to the bones such as rickets, Paget's disease, bone cancer, or an overactive parathyroid However, in people with severe kidney dysfunction, calcium combines with phosphate, which lowers calcium levels in the blood (a disorder called hypocalcemia). Low calcium can cause muscle cramps and spasms but also causes an increase in parathyroid hormone levels, resulting in bone weakness and other problems.
1 person found this helpful

Dear doctor I have a one problem about sex, meri gf virgin he and humne sex karneka faisla kiya, hum koi risk nahi Lena chahte iss liye humne condom use kiya. But jesehi me sex karneki koshish karu to condom break ho jata he. Aur meri gf ko takleef bhi hoti he. So what can I do?

MBBS, D.P.H
General Physician, Gurgaon
MR SAURABH YOU ARE DOING UNPROTECTED SEX WITH A UNMARRIED GIRL IF SHE GOT PREGNANT DUE TO YOUR THIS ACT THEN YOU MAY BE IN LEGAL TROUBLE SO AVOID IT IF YOU HAVE PERFORMED WITH TEAR CONDOM THEN CHANCES OF CONCEPTION ARE THERE IF ANY OF YOU ARE HIV +VE THEN YOU MAY GIVE INFECTION TO EACH OTHER SIMULTANEOUSLY YOU MAY BE EXPOSED TO SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE WITH UNPROTECTED SEX OR WITH TEARED CONDOM , IF IT WILL HAPPEN THE LIFE OF BOTH PERSON WILL BE RUINED BECAUSE IN HIV INFECTION THE SYMPTOMS USUALLY APPEARS AFTER 10 YEARS, AND ANTIBODY APPEARS IN THE BLOOD AFTER 3 MONTH NOW THE DECISION IS YOUR'S

I am suffering from severe teeth sensitivity for last 2 months. I have consulted with a renowned dentists wit my issue, he suggested me to to RCT for those teeth (mainly last 3, teeth from left upper side. I just want to know is there any other option to get remedy for the same without doing RCT?

MD - Homeopathy, BHMS
Homeopath, Vadodara
I am suffering from severe teeth sensitivity for last 2 months. I have consulted with a renowned dentists wit my issu...
Start vit c supplements Use homoeopathic toothpaste heklalava by whhezal Massage your gums with turmeric mixed with a little salt twice a day... And for proper homoeopathic treatment u may need to consult.

Popular Health Tips

Health Tip!

Physiotherapist, Mumbai
Health Tip!

Five mintutes fitness
Today, due to the demanding professional lifestyle many working women choose to adopt dieting and various other weight loss remedies which tend to give temporary results and sometimes have an adverse effect on the mind and body.

A healthy mind and body is achieved by having right balance of proper food and regular workout. Basic alteration in the daily routine like reducing the intake of oil and fatty foods and sweets with five minutes of simple cardio exercises can bring a lot of difference and could lower the risk of health issues like breast cancer, heart problems, osteoporosis and other aliments in women.
With the increasing awareness of these and other health issues some women have managed to alter their lifestyle. But, many are still seeking a quick way to remain healthy for them; health experts have shared some quick five minute workout regimes especially for working women.

High knees: this basic and simple exercise can be done while on the move or while running in a place. 
Method: step 1) stand with your feet hip-width apart.
Step 2) bring your right knee near your chest and quickly bring it back on the floor. 
Step 3) now, bring your left knee near your chest and quickly bring it back on the floor. 
Continue to do the alternative knees at a fast pace.
Jumping jacks: jumping jack is a full body workout. This aerobic exercise can help you get a toned body at the comfort of your home. Jumping jack improves the cardiovascular fitness of the body.
Method: step 1) stand with your feet together and hands at your sides.
Step 2) slowly, raise your arms above your head and jump to spread your feet out wide.
Step 3) reverse the movement to the start position by landing gently with your knees bent a little and repeat.
Elbow plank: planks are a cardio workout as it uses your own weight it tones the core muscles of the body by burning the calories and working your abs, arms, back muscles.
Method: step 1) get down and facing the floor resting on your forearms and knees.

Step2) slowly, push your knees and place your weight entirely on your toes and elbows. Contract the abdominal muscles and keep your back flat.
Step3) hold on to this position for atleast 30 seconds initially and increase the duration as you progress.


Lunges: lunges are excellent for people who want to shed those unwanted extra kilos and boost their metabolism level as well. This exercise also strengthens the cores of the lower body and helps in toning of the muscles.
Method: step 1) step forward with your right leg and slowly lower the body bending the front knee at 90 degrees.
Step 2) push yourself back to the start position and repeat the lunges with the leg.
It is important to make sure that your back must be straight and the back knee should never touch the floor while dong the lunges 

Squats: it is an intensive and effective full body workout that can help in quick weight loss if done regularly. Squats help in toning and strengthen the thigh muscles. This cardio could integrate small jumps as that would burn more calories and reflect better results.

Method: step 1) stand tall with your back straight and your feet spread a width apart. Bend your knees and as you lower you upper body push your hips keeping your back erect. 
Step 2) hold yourself in the same position for 15-20 seconds and then slowly push yourself back to the start position.
 Increase the counts and speed as you repeat this exercise and time duration as you progress.
There are certain things to bear in mind before starting any intensive cardio exercises some of which are:
1) it is necessary to hydrate yourself with sufficient intake of water atleast an hour before starting any intensive workout as it would help in flushing out the toxins from the body and it also helps you to stay energized.
2) start with warm ups like; jogging in one place.
3) take short breaks after each exercise as it maintains the heart rate.
4) stretch your body as it helps in relaxing the body and makes it less prone to injury like muscle soreness.
Although, such intense cardio workout are good for weight loss and toning of the body. People dealing with overweight issues are advised to consult a doctor before starting any rigorous cardio exercises. Exercising is not just for those who want to lose weight. It must be adapted as a regular routine for an overall healthy living.

 

Liver Problems - How they Can be Treated with Homeopathic Remedies?

BHMS
Homeopathy Doctor, Faridabad

Liver is a very important organ of your body. It is also the largest internal organ. Liver plays a pivotal role in food digestion, iron metabolism, regulation of blood clotting and removal of toxins from your body. Liver problems refer to the disruption of liver functions. There are various liver problems and diseases that you may encounter. Some of the liver problems are as follows:

  1. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E
  2. Liver cirrhosis.
  3. Fatty liver
  4. Liver cancer
  5. Wilson disease
  6. Jaundice

The most common causes of the above mentioned liver problems are

  1. Fatty liver is generally caused due to obesity
  2. Hepatitis A, B, C is caused due to viral infections
  3. Consuming excess alcohol can cause liver cancer
  4. Liver diseases like Wilson disease is caused due to genetic problems

Different liver problems have different symptoms. But there are some common symptoms for all liver diseases. The most common symptoms are mentioned below

  1. Body fatigue
  2. Pain in the abdomen
  3. Change in urine and stool color
  4. Nausea
  5. Queasiness
  6. Loss of weight and appetite
  7. Yellowish discoloration of skin, eyes and nails.

Homeopathy can treat liver problems very effectively. The following are some of the solutions offered by homeopathy for different liver problems
1. If you are suffering from the problem of fatty liver, your doctor may recommend you medicines like Lycopodium, Phosphorus, Nux vomica
2. If you suffer from the problem of liver enlargement then your doctor may recommend you medicines like Carduus Marianus
3. Chionanthus and Taraxacum are medicines advised for liver problems like jaundice
4. Natrum sulphuricum may be recommended to you if you are suffering from problems like Liver cirrhosis
Homeopathic treatment for liver problems is very effective since it treats the medical condition according to specific symptoms. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Homeopath.

2 people found this helpful

5 Things You Must Know About Lower Back Pain!

MBBS, MS - Orthopaedics, DNB (Orthopedics), Fellowship in Joint Replacement
Orthopedic Doctor, Hubli-Dharwad
5 Things You Must Know About Lower Back Pain!

Lower back pain is a very common issue and can take place due to numerous reasons. However, one of its main causes is a ligament strain or back muscle strain. Microscopic tear or excessive stretching of ligaments can take place due to lifting very heavy objects, doing enormously strenuous task or due to a sudden twisted movement. These conditions are most likely to be experienced by individuals ranging between the ages of 30 and 60. Other causes of lower back pain include back injury, arthritis of back bone joints, infections in the lower back area, and in very rare cases, tumours.

In case of acute back pain, these are a few important things that should be definitely kept in mind.

  1. It is absolutely essential to take rest for a couple of days and avoid any sort of stressful activity. Although back pain is self-limiting, if you take proper care, it can be cured in a few days. However, if proper rest is not taken, the situation may become worse.
  2. Using the black belt, also known as lumbo sacral corset, is a good idea. This can actually be of enormous help to individuals who have been suffering from lower back pain for a long period of time.
  3. As already mentioned, one of the main causes of these kinds of mishaps are sudden jerky movements, twisted movements, heavy weight lifting etc. So, it is necessary to avoid such circumstances, or else, a more acute back pain situation may arise due to slipping of one of the discs from the spinal cord.
  4. As much as you like long drives and bike rides, these are a strict no. Any prolonged sitting or standing activity needs to be avoided. It is important that the tear caused in the muscles due to what-so-ever reason heals properly and prolonged stay in a tensed muscle position would definitely not help the cause.
  5. Although these back pains can be handled at home by following the discussed steps, using simple analgesics or muscle relaxants prescribed by the doctor can be a way to speed up the process of recovering the strained ligament.

Apart from these important steps, regular exercise to strengthen the core body muscles is a great way to avoid such ligament strains in the future. However, if you feel that even after following the precautionary measures, you problem doesn’t subside, consult an experienced doctor for his advice.

4618 people found this helpful

Botox Injections - What You Can Expect?

MD-Hom., BHMS, Dip. in Cosmetology & Trichology
Cosmetic Physician, Mumbai
Botox Injections - What You Can Expect?

Are you planning on undertaking a botox treatment? Botox is a drug which is made from a neurotoxin. This is produced by the bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Botox is used for medical purposes, commonly for treating muscular conditions. It is also used for cosmetic procedures, which help in removing wrinkles. This process is carried out by paralyzing the facial muscles temporarily. Botulinum toxin is also sold commercially under certain names.

Medical and Cosmetic Uses-

Botox is most commonly used as a treatment procedure for reducing the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles in middle-aged adults. It is also used for medical purposes, for the treatment of conditions such as eye squints, excessive sweating, leaky bladders and migraines. Botox is used for treating more than 20 medical conditions.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox or botulinum toxin is a very poisonous substance, and a single gram of it is capable of killing more than one million people. It is considered to be an effective therapeutic protein when used in ideal dosage, and frequency. It is used in several medical procedures and treatment therapies.

How is Botox Procedure Undertaken?

Botulinum toxin is administered by diluting the power in saline. It is injected directly into your neuro-muscular tissue. A duration of 24 to 72 hours is required for it to take effect. This time reflects the time required for disruption of the normal synaptosomal process of the body. It may take over five days for experiencing the full effects of botox. Botox must not be used in women who are pregnant or lactating, or by people having a previous allergic reaction to it.

Risk and Side-Effects:

Injections which contain botox are usually well tolerated. They have several side effects as well.

  1. In some cases, a person may have a genetic predisposition which causes a mild, transient and unusual response to Botox. Some people who are receiving botox type A injections may develop antibodies to the toxins, which may make the treatment ineffective. In people who are using botox type B for cervical dystonia, antibody development may occur.

  2. Along with the effects intended, botulinum toxin may lead to several other undesirable effects. They may include conditions such as transient numbness, headaches, malaise, mild cases of nausea, mild pain, local edema and erythema on the site of injection.

  3. Temporary tiredness, fatigue or the paralysis of nearby musculature may also be experienced because of the reaction of the toxin.

  4. Drooping or temporary upper lid and brow ptosis are also indicated.

Among the two types of botox treatments, the results from abobotulinum toxin A is considered to be more effective than onabotulinum toxin A treatment. Better results are experienced when the muscles are contracted instead of being at rest. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Cosmetic Physician.

4043 people found this helpful

What Treatment Options Are Available for Male Infertility?

MD - General Medicine
Sexologist, Delhi
What Treatment Options Are Available for Male Infertility?

It can be disheartening to find out that you're infertile, especially when you thought that everything was normal. There are many reasons why a man is not able to contribute to the conception process and, consequently, there are options that can assist with male infertility.

Here are the treatment options available for male infertility.

1. Vasectomy Reversal
In recent years many men are opting to have children after a vasectomy. Luckily, a vasectomy is not necessarily a permanent issue anymore. It can be reversed. It takes a simple surgical procedure that restores the flow of sperm. There are certain factors that affect the success rates of vasectomy reversals such as your age, the presence of antisperm antibodies, time elapsed since the vasectomy and the age of the woman. Although this procedure is an option it is generally not encourage.

2. Sperm Aspiration
This is a group of procedures which is used to get viable sperm from the man. The sperm is used with Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This option is suitable for men who have severe types of male infertility. For example, if there is no sperm in their ejaculate, where sperm is dead or there is no motility. With this group of procedures there are four techniques that can be used to obtain the sperm. It is important to keep in mind that each technique is not suitable for everyone. These techniques are mentioned in the next four points.

3. Testicular Sperm Extraction
In this technique the fertility doctor removes a small piece of testicular tissue through a half inch skin incision. Sperm is liberated from the seminiferous tubules (where they are produced). This procedure can be performed in the doctor's surgery or the operating room and a mild sedation is recommended for comfort. The sperm harvested with this technique can be stored for later use.

4. Microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration
If you have a reproductive tract blockage then this technique is an option. During this technique an operating microscope is used to examine the tubules that contain sperm. The fluid containing the sperm is collected and the quality is examined. Thereafter it is taken to the IVF laboratory for use.

5.Testicular Sperm Aspiration
This technique uses a needle biopsy of the testicle. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia in a doctor's surgery. The sperm is extracted through the testicle but the amount obtained can be low because the needle cuts a thin layer of the tissue. This procedure is usually quite successful and less invasive than other methods.