Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG)

Hepatitis E is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis E virus. Since it is spread by the fecal-oral route, the most prevalent source of HEV infection is via the consumption of contaminated water and food. When an individual gets infected, his or her immune system produces antibodies that help fight against the virus or bacteria.

The hepatitis E virus IgG antibody test detects IgG antibodies specific to hepatitis E infection. Once produced, IgG antibodies can be seen in people's blood for many years. This test is used to screen for and diagnose hepatitis E infections that have occurred in the past or recently

Symptoms of hepatitis E infection:

Symptoms of hepatitis E infection are similar to those of other types of viral hepatitis. They include

Fatigue

Yellowing of skin and eyes

Loss of Appetite

Stomach pain

Vomiting

Fever

Dark-urine

Light coloured stool

Diarrhea

Joint pain

Who should get tested?

The hepatitis E virus IgG antibody test is indicated for individuals who are/have,

Traveling either to or from a hepatitis E-endemic area

Tested negative for other viral hepatitis types and with positive liver disease

Symptoms associated to hepatitis E infection

Test preparation

No special preparations are required to take the hepatitis E virus IgG antibody test. Please talk to your healthcare provider if you are on any medications before taking the test

Interpretation of the Test Results

The test results for the hepatitis E IgG antibody test are either positive or negative.

Positive test results:

The positive test result means there were antibodies detected in the individual’s blood, which may be an indication of a past or resolved hepatitis E infection.

Negative test results:

The negative test result may mean that there were no antibodies detected in the individual’s blood, and he/she is most likely to have had no previous exposure to or any past infections with the hepatitis E virus

FAQs

What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the hepatitis E virus IgG antibody test?

The test results of the hepatitis E virus IgG antibody test are generally available within 2–4 working days after the sample collection. However, it may also take a little longer at times

Are there any risks associated with the hepatitis E virus IgG antibody test?

No, there are no potential risks associated with the hepatitis E virus IgG antibody test. It is a simple blood test that involves negligible risk, such as feeling a slight sting or a bruise at the site of sample collection. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a few hours. Rarely, the site can also become infected

Am I required to fast before taking hepatitis E virus IgG Antibody test?

No, you do not need to fast before taking the hepatitis E virus IgG antibody test. It is a simple blood test that can be done at any time of the day

Is it possible that hepatitis E infection becomes chronic?

No, it is extremely rare for a hepatitis E infection to progress into a chronic infection. It is usually an acute infection that goes away on its own

How is hepatitis E prevented?

The following precautions could be taken to avoid hepatitis E infection

· Good sanitation

· Drinking purified or boiled water

· Avoiding raw pork

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