A-Z Health Guide from WebMD: Medical Tests

Antibody test for hepatitis A

Exam Overview

This blood test identifies total antibodies to the hepatitis A virus (either IgM anti-HAV or IgG anti-HAV).

Why It Is Done

This test is done when:

You have symptoms of hepatitis A.
It is necessary to find out whether you have ever been infected with hepatitis A virus (HAV).

Results

An anti-HAV test may provide the following results.

The blood sample does not contain anti-HAV antibodies.

IgM anti-HAV can be detected 5 to 10 days after infection with HAV, when symptoms of hepatitis A are present, and for several months after symptoms have gone away. The presence of IgM anti-HAV indicates a recent infection with HAV.
IgG anti-HAV can be detected 6 to 12 months after symptoms have gone away. The presence of this antibody means that the person once had an active HAV infection and is now protected against HAV infection for life. If IgG anti-HAV antibodies are detected, hepatitis A cannot be the cause of liver inflammation or other current symptoms.

What To Think About

A few false-positive results have been seen in people who have:

False-positive tests because of these conditions are extremely rare.

Complete the medical test information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test.

Credits

Author	Douglas Dana
Author	Merrill Hayden
Editor	Renée Spengler, RN, BSN
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Lila Havens
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Last Updated	November 5, 2004

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Antibody test for hepatitis A

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Last updated: November 05, 2004