Hepatitis A Blood Test is usually done to detect hepatitis A viral infection. Hepatitis A is the most common type of viral hepatitis. The infection usually goes away on its own without treatment and does not cause chronic illness. Hepatitis A is spread when people eat or drink contaminated food or water or when they come into contact with objects contaminated by feces containing HAV.
Once infected, a person develops antibodies to the hepatitis A virus. These antibodies provide lifelong protection, or immunity, against another HAV infection.
People who are infected with HAV can spread the virus to other people for at least 2 weeks before and for a few days after symptoms develop. Once HAV symptoms go away, a person with HAV does not become a "carrier"; that is, the person cannot infect others with HAV.
The anti-HAV test or Hepatitis A Blood Test detects two different antibodies to the hepatitis A virus. IgM anti-HAV antibodies generally can be detected in the blood as early as 2 weeks after a person becomes infected with HAV and when symptoms of hepatitis A are present. These antibodies disappear from the blood 3 to 12 months after infection. The presence of IgM anti-HAV antibodies indicates that a person has recently been infected with HAV.
IgG anti-HAV antibodies appear about 8 to 12 weeks after a person is infected with HAV. These antibodies remain in a person's blood for life. The presence of IgG anti-HAV antibodies means that the person once had an active HAV infection and is now protected against HAV infection for life.
Call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS to speak with a Medical Counselor for further information, or simply place your Hepatitis A Blood Test order online.
