Hepatitis A virus-IgG (HAV IgG) – Serum
Hepatitis A virus-IgG (HAV IgG) – Serum
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), with symptoms lasting a few weeks to several months before resolving. In exceptionally uncommon cases, it can even lead to severe liver damage or failure. Since the symptoms of hepatitis A closely resemble other viral hepatitis, doctors frequently perform blood tests to detect the type of viral hepatitis a patient may have. They may check for HAV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies, along with liver enzymes and other diagnostic parameters in the blood.
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgG is a laboratory test that measures the levels of IgG antibodies in the blood produced in response to HAV. These antibodies show up in the blood quickly after the virus is cleared and remain detectable for life. If the HAV-specific IgG test results are positive, it usually signifies that a person has had a previous infection or had vaccination against hepatitis A
What is the Hepatitis A IgG Test Used For?
The primary intention of doing a Hepatitis A IgG Test is
To know if someone had HAV infection in the past or had vaccination to protect against it
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
Symptoms are more often seen in adults than in children. They develop suddenly and can include
Fever
Extreme tiredness
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Nausea
Discomfort in the upper quadrant of the belly
Dark-colored urine
Pale stools
Jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes and skin)
Joint pain
Preparation for Test
While you don't need to prepare for this test, ensure that your doctor knows all the medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you take for a seamless testing experience and accurate test results
Interpretation of Test Results
The results of the HAV IgG assay are interpreted as follows:
Positive result
This report indicates the presence of detectable HAV-specific IgG antibodies in the patient's serum sample from past exposure or vaccination against hepatitis A.
Negative result
This result states that no HAV-specific IgG antibodies were found in the provided sample
FAQs
Are there risks related to the Hepatitis A virus-IgG (HAV IgG) test?
No, there aren’t any risks associated with this test, except the fact that you may have a rash or pain related to needle-piercing your skin
Do I need to fast before taking the Hepatitis A virus-IgG (HAV IgG) test?
No, you don’t have to fast to take this test
Why should I take the HAV IgG test?
You may require this test if your doctor suspects you have liver disease but is unsure of the clinical diagnosis, as several factors, such as drug toxicity and heavy metal poisoning, can cause liver problems
What factors can affect my HAV IgG results?
As such, there aren’t many factors that could affect the accuracy of your test results. However, the effect of different laboratory methods and standards used in interpreting the IgG antibody levels can’t be denied
. Is there any vaccine to prevent HAV infection?
Yes, the hepatitis A vaccine is available for both children and adults.
 For children, the vaccine is recommended for those over 1 year old and comes in two forms: live hepatitis A vaccine, given as a single dose after 12 months of age, and inactivated vaccine, administered in two doses, with the first dose at the child's first birthday and the second dose six months later.
For adults who were not previously vaccinated or wish to be protected against hepatitis A, two doses of the inactivated vaccine or one dose of the live vaccine can be given to prevent the disease
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