Hepatitis A Virus Antibody, Total (IgG + IgM) – Immunoassay

This test measures antibodies to the hepatitis A virus (HAV) in a sample of your blood. Your provider may order IgM antibodies to detect a recent or active infection, or IgG antibodies to determine whether you have immunity from a past infection or from the hepatitis A vaccine.

The test measures total antibodies (both IgG and IgM types) against the hepatitis A virus. IgM antibodies typically appear shortly after infection and fade over time, while IgG antibodies indicate a longer-term immune response or past infection.

You may need this test if you have symptoms that suggest hepatitis A, such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, or jaundice. It may also be recommended if you were possibly exposed to the virus through contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person, or recent travel to a region where hepatitis A is common.

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of hepatitis A (e.g., fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain) or if you’ve been exposed to someone with hepatitis A. It’s also used to confirm immunity after vaccination.

A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm, usually on the inside of your elbow. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and you may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted. Afterward, you can return to your normal activities, and the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect virus-specific antibodies.

Common symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, sudden nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain especially in the upper right side, dark urine, clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Some people, particularly young children, may have only mild symptoms or none at all.

Hepatitis A often causes flu-like symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Some people may not experience symptoms at all.