Mindy & Betty's Medical Mysteries

Window Period

Window Period:
Occurs when the acute HBV virus is transitioning from acute to resolved

1. HBV infection begins

  • HBsAG becomes detectable
  • IgM anti–HBc becomes detectable
  • HBV DNA is usually detectable

2. Acute infection progresses

  • HBsAG eventually starts to disappear

3. Window period

  • HBsAG has disappeared
  • Anti–HBs hasn't appeared yet
  • IgM anti–HBc remains positive

4. Recovery

  • Anti–HBs appears
  • IgM anti–HBc eventually disappears
  • Total anti–HBc/ hep B core remains positive (often lifelong)