What is Hepatitis A Profile?

Hepatitis A Profile is a blood test performed to know if there is a Hepatitis A virus. The test looks for antibodies made by the body to fight the virus. They will be in your blood if you have a hepatitis A infection now or have had one in the past (healthlinkbc).

• Hepatitis A IgM antibodies can be found as early as 2 weeks after you are first infected. They disappear 3 to 12 months after the infection.
• Hepatitis A IgG antibodies appear 8 to 12 weeks after you are first infected. They stay in your blood and protect you from hepatitis A permanently.

Why do you need to take this test?

To help diagnose the cause of acute hepatitis; as part of a viral hepatitis panel to identify the type of hepatitis virus causing an infection; sometimes to evaluate the need for the hepatitis A vaccine (labtestonline).

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm (labtestonline).

Result

Results of hepatitis testing may indicate the following:

A total antibody test detects both IgM and IgG antibodies but does not distinguish between them.

If the total antibody test or hepatitis A IgG result is positive and someone has never been vaccinated against HAV, then the person has had past exposure to the virus. About 30% of adults over age 40 have antibodies to hepatitis A.

Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will do our best to help you.