What does the Hep B Core AB test detect?

The Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Hep B Core AB) test is designed to detect antibodies to the core antigen of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This test indicates whether an individual has been infected with the virus at some point in their life.

When the body is exposed to HBV, it produces the core antibodies as part of the immune response. Therefore, the presence of these antibodies signifies either a past infection that the body has cleared or an ongoing infection. Consequently, this test is a key marker for determining the status of an individual's HBV infection, enabling healthcare providers to differentiate between acute and chronic infections, as well as to understand whether an individual has recovered from Hepatitis B.

The other choices do not accurately reflect what the Hep B Core AB test measures. It does not exclusively indicate current infections, nor does it assess immunity to Hepatitis B or detect Hepatitis C infections, which are entirely different viruses. Thus, understanding the role of the Hep B Core AB test is crucial for the accurate interpretation of an individual's Hepatitis B status.