Hepatitis A Virus Total Antibody (HAV Total)
Hepatitis A Virus Total Antibody (HAV Total)
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver caused due to hepatitis A virus. It is characterized by liver inflammation and enlargement. It is transmitted by the faecal-oral route, which means that a person becomes infected by ingesting traces of faeces from a person infected with hepatitis A, as well as by consuming unhygienic and infected foods and beverages.
Hepatitis A virus total antibody is a blood test that detects IgG and IgM antibodies specific to hepatitis A infection. Anti-HAV IgM antibodies are usually short-lived and detectable only during an acute and active illness, whereas anti-HAV IgG antibodies may be present in the person's blood for prolonged periods of time after recovery or immunization. As a result, the HAV total can be used to identify both present and previous hepatitis A virus infections
Symptoms of Hepatitis A infection
Fatigue
Yellowing of skin and eyes
Loss of Appetite
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Fever
Dark-urine
Light colored stool
Diarrhoea
Who should get tested?
People who are at risk of developing hepatitis A infection should get tested for HAV total test. They include:
Individuals who travel to places with a high risk of hepatitis A infection
Eating contaminated food
Being in close contact with individuals who are HAV positive
Individuals who have sex with individuals of the same gender
Working in hospitals or clinics and being exposed to infected blood
Test preparation
No special preparations are required to undergo the Hepatitis A virus total antibody test. Please talk to your healthcare provider if you are on any medications as few medications may interfere with your test results.
Interpretation of the Test Results
The test results for the Hepatitis A virus total antibody are given as either positive or negative.
|
IgM anti-HAV antibody test |
IgG anti-HAV antibody test |
Interpretation |
|
Positive |
Not performed |
Acute or an active infection |
|
Not performed |
Positive |
Exposed to HAV but acute infection cannot be ruled out. May have developed immunity. |
|
Negative |
Positive |
No active infection but developed immunity to HAV |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Not performed |
Negative |
No current or previous HAV infection. No immunity against HAV. |
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Positive test results – The positive or reactive test result could mean the following things:
·      You have an active HAV infection
·      You have had a past HAV infection
·      You have gotten an HAV vaccination
Negative test results – The negative or non-reactive test results indicate that there were no HAV-specific antibodies detected in your blood and you don’t have hepatitis A infection.
FAQs
What is the turnaround time (TAT) of the Hepatitis A virus total antibody test?
The test results for the hepatitis A virus total antibody are generally available within 2 – 3 working days after the sample collection. However, it could also take a little longer at times
Are there any risks associated with the hepatitis A virus total antibody test?
No, there are no potential risks associated with the hepatitis A virus total antibody test. It is a simple blood test and may involve negligible risks such as feeling a slight sting at the site of needle insertion. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours. Rarely, the site can also become infected
What is the test procedure for the hepatitis A virus total antibody test?
The test procedure for the hepatitis A virus total antibody test involves the insertion of a tiny needle by a healthcare expert to draw blood from a vein in your arm. It is followed by collecting a small amount of blood in a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight sting or bruise when the needle is inserted in or taken out. This whole procedure usually takes less than five minutes
What might affect the test results of the hepatitis A virus total antibody test?
Certain medications such as biotin may affect the test results of the hepatitis A virus total antibody test. Therefore, patients are advised to stop taking any biotin supplements 72 hours before taking the hepatitis A virus total antibody test
Can I re-infect myself with HAV if I've already been infected?
No, if a person has already been infected with hepatitis A, he or she is unlikely to become infected again. Once infected, your body will generate antibodies that will defend you against the virus for the rest of your life
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