Interpretation of serologic test results for HBV infection

Total
HBsAg antiHBc

IgM
antiHBc

AntiInterpretation
HBs

Never infected / Susceptible (consider vaccination)

Early acute infection; early incubation; transient (up to 18 days) after

vaccination

+*

Acute infection

Acute resolving infection

Recovered from past infection and immune (due to natural infection)

/+**

Chronic infection

Past infection (resolved infection or resolving acute infection); false positive

(i.e., susceptible); low-level (occult) chronic infection; passive transfer to
infant born to HBsAg-positive mother

Immune (due to hepatitis B vaccination) if concentration is >10 mIU/mL,

passive transfer after HBIG administration

*High titre
**Anti-HBc IgM can also be present (usually at a lower titre) in a flare of chronic hepatitis B
Source: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/newhomeroc/roc11/hbv_rg2public_508.pdf (p. 21)
http://clinipathpathology.com.au/media/77501/hepatitis%20serological%20testing.pdf (p.3)