Test Overview
virus (HAV) test is a blood test that looks for proteins () made by the body in response to the virus
that causes hepatitis A. These proteins will be present in your blood if you
have a hepatitis A infection now or have had one in the past. It is important
to identify the type of hepatitis virus causing the infection to prevent it
from spreading and to start the proper treatment.
HAV infection is
spread through food or water that has been contaminated by the feces (stool) of
an infected person.
- IgM anti-HAV antibodies
indicate a recent infection with hepatitis A virus. IgM anti-HAV antibodies
generally can be detected in the blood as early as 2 weeks after the initial
HAV infection. These antibodies disappear from the blood 3 to 12 months after
the infection.
- IgG anti-HAV antibodies mean
that you have had a hepatitis A viral infection. About 8 to 12 weeks after the
initial infection with hepatitis A virus, IgG anti-HAV antibodies appear and
remain in the blood for lifelong protection (immunity) against HAV.
Hepatitis A vaccine is available to prevent an HAV
infection. If you have had this vaccine and you have anti-HAV antibodies, this
means the vaccination was effective.