Hepatitis A Immunity Blood Test
Hepatitis A Immunity Blood Test
Hepatitis A Immunity Blood Test
Hepatitis A Immunity Blood Test
Hepatitis A Immunity Blood Test
Hepatitis A Immunity Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGP

Chief Medical Officer meet our doctors

Expert Image

What is
HAV?

Hepatitis A (HAV), or infectious hepatitis, is an acute disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is mostly spread by food or drink contaminated with faeces. People infected have often travelled to parts of the world where hygiene is poor. In many cases, there is no illness or a flu-like illness with mild jaundice and does not progress to chronic hepatitis. Unlike hepatitis B and hepatitis C, HAV does not cause chronic (ongoing, long-term) disease. Although the liver does become inflamed and swollen, it heals completely in most people without any long-term damage. Once you have had HAV, you develop lifelong immunity and cannot get the disease again.

When do
HAV antibodies develop?

Around eight to twelve weeks after the initial hepatitis A viral infection, hepatitis A IgG antibodies are produced and remain in the blood for lifelong protection (immunity) against the virus.

What's the difference between
HAV IgG and IgM antibodies?

The presence of hepatitis A IgG antibodies in your blood means you have had hepatitis A viral infection in the past, whereas IgM antibodies indicate a current infection.

What's Included?

Immunity
Select profile for more information
Hepatitis A antibodies IgG and IgM Hepatitis A is an acute, short-term disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is commonly transmitted by through food or water which has been contaminated by faeces from someone who is already infected by the virus. This type of hepatitis is most common in countries where the sanitation is poor. IgM antibodies are involved in the very early stages of an immune response and first to be made by the body when fighting a new infection, providing short-term protection. A positive IgM result indicates a recent HAV infection. IgG provides antibody-based immunity. IgG antibodies form the basis of long-term protection against microorganisms and in those with a healthy immune system, sufficient IgG antibodies are produced to prevent re-infection. A positive IgG indicates a past HAV infection & immunity to the virus.

How to prepare
for your test?

Special Instructions

Prepare for your Hepatitis A Immunity Blood Test by following these instructions. Take this test at least 2 weeks after hepatitis A exposure Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.