Hepatitis A Antibody, IgM

Test ID:

706177

CPT code:

86709

Synonyms:

Anti-HAV, IgM
Antibody to Hepatitis A Virus, IgM
HAVAb, IgM

Clinical Use:

Differential diagnosis of hepatitis; the presence of IgM antibody to hepatitis A virus is good evidence for acute hepatitis A.

Test Information:

Hepatitis A virus is a picornavirus, and antibody is made to capsid proteins. Fecal excretion of HAV peaks before symptoms develop. If hepatitis A antibody is IgM, the hepatitis A infection is probably acute. IgM antibody develops within a week of symptom onset, peaks in three months, and is usually gone after six months. Hepatitis A antibody of IgG type is indicative of old infection, is found in almost 50% of adults, and is not usually clinically relevant. Many cases of hepatitis A are subclinical, particularly in children. Presence of IgG antibody to HAV does not exclude acute hepatitis B or other forms of hepatitis.

Specimen Type:

Serum or plasma

Requested Volume:

1 mL

Minimum Volume:

0.4 mL

Container Type:

Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or lavender-top (EDTA) tube

Patient Preparation:

This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.