Hepatitis B Core Antibody (IgM)

CPT Code: 86705
Order Code: 4848
Includes: Hepatitis B Core Antibody (IgM)
Alternative Name(s): Anti-HBc, IgM
ABN Requirement: No
Specimen:
     Preferred: Serum
     Alternative: EDTA Plasma
Volume:  1.0 mL
Minimum Volume:  0.5 mL
Container:
Preferred: Gel-barrier tube (SST)
     Alternative: EDTA (Lavender Top) Tube

Collection:

Serum:

  1. Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
  2. Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.
  3. Allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
  4. Centrifuge for 10 minutes.

EDTA Plasma:

  1. Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
  2. Gently invert tube 10 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.
  3. Centrifuge specimen for 10 minutes.
  4. Pre-squeeze transfer pipet bulb and draw off approximately 2/3 of the upper plasma.
    Note: This ensures that the buffy coat and red cells remain undisturbed.
  5. Aliquot plasma into transport tube labeled as “EDTA Plasma” and cap tightly. Discard original tube.

Collection Instructions: Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere in assays and may skew analyte results to be either falsely high or falsely low. For patients receiving the recommended daily doses of biotin, draw samples at least 8 hours following the last biotin supplementation. For patients on mega-doses of biotin supplements, draw samples at least 72 hours following the last biotin supplementation.

Transport: Store specimen at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions included with the provided shipping box.

Stability:

Ambient (15-25°C): 5 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C): 21 days

Causes for Rejection: Improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits; gross hemolysis; gross lipemia; PPT-EDTA (white top) plasma tube

Methodology: Immunoassay (IA)

Turn Around Time:  1 to 3 days

Reference Range: Non-Reactive

Clinical Significance: Hepatitis B core-specific IgM class antibody has been detected in most acute infections and is a reliable marker for acute disease. In some cases, hepatitis B core IgM antibody may be the only specific marker for the diagnosis of acute infection with hepatitis B virus.

The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.