Description
Hepatitis A is a highly infectious liver disease that affects the function of the liver. The virus is spread through stool from an infected person. It is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because it can be contracted during oral-anal sexual contact. However, it can also be contracted during close contact with an infected individual or contaminated food or drink. As the viral material can be found in the blood, it may also be transmitted through blood.
Hepatitis A IgM Antibody test is used to detect the presence of IgM antibodies for the hepatitis A virus. This test helps diagnose acute hepatitis A and is also used for differential diagnosis of hepatitis. The hepatitis A virus is able to survive outside the body for months. It averages a 28-day incubation period between infection and symptoms. Infection can be prevented if you have immunity through the hepatitis A vaccine or previous infection. IgM antibodies can be detected as soon as 2 weeks post exposure. This test is highly accurate at 3-6 weeks post exposure and is 99% conclusive after 12 weeks. So IgM antibodies to Hepatitis A suggest a current, acute or recent Hepatitis A infection.
Hepatitis A Antibody, Total is HAV antibody indicates prior or acute infection with, or immunization to, Hepatitis A virus.
Immunity tests evaluate the level of specific immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the blood. The immune system creates antibodies to fight off antigens, which may be viruses, bacteria, or toxins. The body produces antibodies specific to each antigen, meaning antibodies for hepatitis A are different from antibodies to hepatitis B.
This immunity panel measures two types of antibodies for the hepatitis A virus:
Immunoglobulin M (IgM): The first antibody the body produces to fight a new infection.
Total Antibody (AB)/Immunoglobulin G (IgG): A long-term protective antibody that remains in the body to shield itself against bacterial and viral infections.
