Hepatitis A Test
This is an infection that causes the liver to be inflamed. The test for hepatitis A detects markers of a current or past infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV) through a blood sample. This test can help diagnose the infection or determine immunity to the virus.
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Hepatitis A testing serves two primary purposes:
Hepatitis A is a contagious virus spread primarily through fecal-oral transmission. This means that an infected person's stool contaminates food or water, which another person then ingests. Although hepatitis A generally causes acute illness that resolves within a few weeks to months, severe cases may result in liver damage or failure.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENTThe test for hepatitis A detects specific antibodies produced by the body in response to the virus. These antibodies can be used to determine the stage of infection (current or past).
In some case scenarios, doctors may also order tests that detect the virus's genetic material (known as nucleic acid amplification testing, or NAAT). These tests can identify traces of the virus in blood, stool, or other bodily fluids.
A liver panel may also be conducted to assess liver function and inflammation, as these tests help indicate if hepatitis is present but cannot pinpoint the specific virus without antibody testing.
Your healthcare provider may suggest hepatitis A testing if you show symptoms of the virus and have had potential exposure to it. Hepatitis A symptoms typically appear approximately 4 weeks after infection, with kids below 6 often showing symptoms rarely. Common symptoms include:
If no clear exposure is known, doctors may order an acute viral hepatitis panel, which tests for hepatitis A, B, and C in a single sample of blood.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENTThe test results are typically available within a few days after the laboratory processes the collected sample. Results may be communicated via postal email or phone, during a follow-up consultation, or through an electronic medical record.
The test results usually include information about anti-HAV IgGantibodies, anti-HAV IgM antibodies, or both, depending on the specific test conducted.
A negative result from the anti-HAV IgM antibody test indicates that no IgM antibodies were detected, suggesting that there is no active hepatitis A infection at the time of testing. If the anti-HAV IgG or total antibody tests are also negative, this means that the individual does not currently have hepatitis A and has not developed immunity through past infection or vaccination.
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While no test is perfect, hepatitis A testing is widely considered the most reliable method for detecting an active hepatitis A infection or confirming immunity. A positive result for IgM antibodies generally indicates a current infection. However, in individuals without symptoms, the presence of IgM antibodies may sometimes suggest a previous infection or a case without symptoms.
Hepatitis A testing requires a blood sample to detect antibodies against the virus. Blood is usually drawn from a vein in the arm or the back of the hand.
When prescribed by a doctor, the sample is typically collected in a clinic or medical facility and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
When receiving your hepatitis A test results, consider discussing the following with your doctor:
Testing hepatitis A at home is not currently available in most regions. The test requires phlebotomy(blood draw), which a medical practitioner must do in a clinical or laboratory setting.
It depends on your test result. If symptoms are drastic, further tests may be necessary to monitor liver function and assess treatment options. If you test negative for hepatitis A and lack immunity, your doctor may recommend vaccination to prevent future infection.
Costs for hepatitis A testing may vary depending on your health insurance plan. In most cases, the test is covered by insurance if ordered by a doctor, though co-pays or deductibles may apply. If you do not have insurance or if your plan doesn't cover the test, you can discuss the cost with your healthcare provider, including office visit fees, blood draw charges, and laboratory testing fees.