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Hepatitis A TOTAL
MessageIncluded in the Hepatitis Chronic Panel (Hepatitis A Total Antibody, Hepatitis B surface Ag, Hepatitis B Core Antibody, Hepatitis B Surface Antibody, Hepatitis C Antibody)
Test Code
HAAB
Alias/See Also
Hepatitis A IgG
CPT Codes
86708
Preferred Specimen
Gold (SST)
Other Acceptable Specimens
GREEN (PST)
Specimen Stability
- Centrifuge specimen and store at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours.
- If testing is not complete within 24 hours, separate samples into aliquot tubes and store at 2-8°C for up to 7 days.
- Freeze samples at or below -20°C for storage longer than 7 days. Frozen samples may be stored in a non-frost free freezer for up to 1 year. 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.
Setup Schedule
24x7
Reference Range
Non-Reactive
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 total HAV antibody test detects both IgM and IgG antibodies and thus may be used to identify both current and past infections.
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 total HAV antibody test detects both IgM and IgG antibodies and thus may be used to identify both current and past infections.
Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory
