Hepatitis A Virus Antibody, IgM

Test Code
HAABM


Alias/See Also
HAABM, Hepatitis A, IgM,
HABM, Hepatitis A, IgM (Acute Hepatitis Panel)
 


CPT Codes
86709

Preferred Specimen
GOLD (SST)


Other Acceptable Specimens
GRN (PST) Lithium Heparin


Instructions
Included in Acute Hepatitis Panel.


Specimen Stability
  • Test samples as soon as possible after collecting. Testing may be performed on samples stored for up to 8 hours at room temperature for add on specimens.
  • Store samples at 2 – 80 C for up to 48 hours if testing can’t be done within 8 hours of collection.
  • Freeze samples at or below -200 C for storage longer than 2 days. Frozen samples may be stored in a non-frost free freezer for up to 180 days. Specimens may be frozen and thawed up to 4 times. Thoroughly mix thawed specimens and centrifuge at 10,000 X g for 10 minutes. Transfer the supernatant to a clean tube prior to testing.


Report Available
24x7


Reference Range
Non-Reactive

Note:  All Reactive anti-HAV IgM result patients are reported to Public Health – Title 17, California Code of Regulation (CCR), 2500, 2641, 2643, and 2800-2812 Reportable Disease and Conditions.


Clinical Significance
Hepatitis A is caused by infection with the hepatitis A virus. HAV is a 27 nanometer single-stranded, non-enveloped, RNA virus that is classified as a picornavirus. Transmission of hepatitis A is via the fecal-oral route, and infection occurs mainly due to contaminated food or poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis A virus replicates in the liver. The virus is excreted in the bile and shed in the stool.
 
The average incubation period for HAV infection is 30 days with a range of 15 to 40 days. Chronic infection has not been reported to occur following HAV infection. Symptoms last approximately 2 weeks and include hepatomegaly, jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. At the onset of symptoms resulting from HAV infection, antibody to HAV is detectable. The early antibody response is largely comprised of the IgM antibody subclass. Anti-HAV IgM is detectable for 3 to 6 months after the onset of illness, whereas anti-HAV IgG can persist indefinitely. The specific determination of anti-HAV IgM is the most useful serological marker for diagnosing acute HAV infection. Total anti-HAV is used primarily for determination of previous exposure to Hepatitis A virus.
 
The HAV IgM antibody test detects the first antibody produced by the body when it is exposed to hepatitis A.  The HAV IgG test detects the IgG antibodies that develop later in the course of the disease. IgG antibodies remain present for many years, usually for life.  The IgG antibodies can provide protection against recurrent infection by the same virus.  The IgG test is used to detect past HAV infections OR may be used to determine if an individual has developed immunity from a previous infection or from vaccination (immune status).
 
The Hepatitis A IgM antibody test detects IgM antibodies and thus may be used to identify both current (acute) infections.


Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory



The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.