Hepatitis A, also called hep A, is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.

Hepatitis A is spread, most commonly, from person-to person through stool contamination or by ingesting food or water contaminated by the stool of an infected person

How is it used?
This test is used to help diagnose a liver infection due to the hepatitis A virus (HAV).


There are two different classes of hepatitis A antibody that may be tested, IgM and IgG.

The HAV IgM antibody test detects the first antibody produced by the body when it is exposed to hepatitis A. This test is used to detect early or recent infections


The HAV IgG test detects the IgG antibodies that develop later in the course of the disease.

This test is used to detect past infections

The total HAV antibody test detects both IgM and IgG antibodies and thus may be used to identify both current and past infections.


When is it ordered?
Testing for the presence of IgM antibodies to hepatitis A is ordered when someone has acute symptoms such as:

Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Dark urine and/or pale colored stool
Joint pain
Jaundice

Hepatitis A Vaccine
The vaccine to prevent it is about 95% effective in healthy adults and can work for more than 20 years. In children, it’s about 85% effective and can last 15 to 20 years.

Hepatitis A Transmission Prevention
When you have hepatitis A, take these steps to keep from giving it to others:

Avoid all sexual activity.
Wash your hands after you use the bathroom or change diapers.
Don’t prepare food for other people.

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