Skip to content

Anti-Hepatitis A Virus IgG Antibody (Serum/Plasma)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the presence of antibodies against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) in your blood. These antibodies indicate that your immune system has recognized and fought off the virus, often after an infection or vaccination.

Quick summary

["Detects past or current immunity to hepatitis A virus."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
20862-9
Short code
FLUAV Ab Ser Ql HAI
Synonyms
FLUAV Ab Ser Ql HAI
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
1.5
Ref high
9
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
hai
CPT
83002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of hepatitis A, such as fatigue, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), or abdominal pain. It may also be used to check if you’re immune before traveling to areas with higher risk of hepatitis A, or to monitor immunity after vaccination.

What to Expect During the Test

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually takes only a few minutes. No special preparation is needed, but inform your provider if you’re on blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder.

What the Results Mean

Positive results (detecting IgG antibodies) suggest you’ve had hepatitis A in the past or are immune due to vaccination. Negative results mean you may not be immune and could be at risk of infection. Follow-up testing or vaccination may be recommended if needed.

Common Causes of Positive Results

A positive IgG result is most commonly due to past hepatitis A infection, which provides lifelong immunity. Rarely, it may appear after vaccination or in people with chronic liver conditions.

Reference range

Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

IgG Anti-HAV

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive IgG result mean for my health?
A positive IgG result means your body has developed immunity to hepatitis A, either from a past infection or vaccination. This usually means you’re protected from future infection, but you should still practice good hygiene to avoid other liver-related risks.
Can I still get hepatitis A if my IgG test is negative?
Yes, if your IgG test is negative, you may not be immune and could get hepatitis A if exposed. If you’re traveling to high-risk areas or have other risk factors (e.g., unprotected sex, illegal drug use), your provider may recommend vaccination or booster shots.
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results once they’re ready.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy