← Blood tests
Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc)
Specialistalso —
What it isAn antibody against the hepatitis B core antigen, produced only after actual infection — not after vaccination.
DoesDistinguishes vaccine-induced immunity (anti-HBs positive, anti-HBc negative) from past infection (both positive).
GoodNegative anti-HBc in someone with positive anti-HBs confirms vaccine immunity.
BadPositive anti-HBc with negative surface antigen usually indicates resolved past infection but can occasionally reactivate during immunosuppression.
- Standard
- Negative.
- Optimal
- Negative if non-exposed (lower is good)
- Modifiers
- Persists indefinitely after infection.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- —
- Diet
- —
- Supplements
- —
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- Monitor for reactivation during immunosuppression.
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Infections