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Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Antibodies (IgG, IgM)
Test Code15085
Alias/See Also
LAB00943
CPT Codes
86790 (x2)
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Transport Container
Transport tube
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Setup Schedule
Tues, fri
Report Available
1-4 days
Reference Range
Not detected
Clinical Significance
This test is intended for the qualitative detection of antibodies against Hepatitis E virus (HEV). HEV causes acute viral hepatitis and liver injury worldwide, although it is not commonly acquired in the United States. Diagnosis of acute infection can be achieved through the detection of IgM, whereas IgG may represent remote or past exposure. This test does not detect antibodies against other hepatitis-causing viruses, including Hepatitis A, B, or C.
HEV is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, most commonly by consumption of contaminated water or undercooked meat. Signs and symptoms of HEV are similar to other causes of acute viral hepatitis and may include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and dark urine. The disease can be mild and self-limiting, and most individuals recover from illness. Immunocompromised individuals, those with underlying liver conditions, and pregnant women are at increased risk for severe disease, including fulminant hepatitis. Testing is recommended in patients with viral hepatitis symptoms who have traveled to an endemic or outbreak area and/or have tested negative for other etiologies (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, other hepatotropic viruses, and causes of acute liver injury).
Antibodies against HEV can typically be detected within 3-4 weeks after exposure. Anti-IgM declines during early convalescence and may be negative a few months post- exposure while anti-IgG can persist for years. Results should be correlated with patient risk factors and signs and symptoms consistent with Hepatitis E. False positive results can occur in low prevalence populations. False negative results can occur early during infection. If there is a high clinical suspicion for HEV, repeat testing can be performed in 2-4 weeks.
References
1. Q&As for Health Professionals, Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hev/hevfaq.htm Page last reviewed: September 15, 2020.
2. Hepatitis E, World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-e Last updated: 20 July 2023.
3. Aggarwal, R. et al. Diagnosis of hepatitis E. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Jan;10(1):24-33.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics, Red Book 2018-2021. Report of the Committee of Infectious Diseases, 31st Edition.
HEV is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, most commonly by consumption of contaminated water or undercooked meat. Signs and symptoms of HEV are similar to other causes of acute viral hepatitis and may include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and dark urine. The disease can be mild and self-limiting, and most individuals recover from illness. Immunocompromised individuals, those with underlying liver conditions, and pregnant women are at increased risk for severe disease, including fulminant hepatitis. Testing is recommended in patients with viral hepatitis symptoms who have traveled to an endemic or outbreak area and/or have tested negative for other etiologies (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, other hepatotropic viruses, and causes of acute liver injury).
Antibodies against HEV can typically be detected within 3-4 weeks after exposure. Anti-IgM declines during early convalescence and may be negative a few months post- exposure while anti-IgG can persist for years. Results should be correlated with patient risk factors and signs and symptoms consistent with Hepatitis E. False positive results can occur in low prevalence populations. False negative results can occur early during infection. If there is a high clinical suspicion for HEV, repeat testing can be performed in 2-4 weeks.
References
1. Q&As for Health Professionals, Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hev/hevfaq.htm Page last reviewed: September 15, 2020.
2. Hepatitis E, World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-e Last updated: 20 July 2023.
3. Aggarwal, R. et al. Diagnosis of hepatitis E. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Jan;10(1):24-33.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics, Red Book 2018-2021. Report of the Committee of Infectious Diseases, 31st Edition.
Performing Laboratory
| Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA |
| 33608 Ortega Highway |
| San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042 |