Directly answers the question on NBME form 11, see below:
A 52-year-old man comes to the physician 2 weeks after he noted yellowing of his skin, which has since resolved spontaneously. He has hypertension and osteoarthritis. His medications are hydrochlorothiazide and tramadol. He uses intravenous heroin weekly; his last injection was 2 days ago. He is 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) tall and weighs 79 kg (175 lb); BMI is 26 kg/m . His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), pulse is 78/min, respirations are 12/min, and blood pressure is 148/92 mm Hg. Examination shows no abnormalities. Serum studies show:
Bilirubin 2.4 mg/dL
Alkaline phosphatase 118 U/L
AST 250 U/L
ALT 300 U/L
Hepatitis A antibody negative
HBsAg negative
HBsAb negative
Anti-HCV negative
Which of the following is most likely to confirm the diagnosis?
Ans: Anti-HBc IgM testing