Hepatitis A Virus Test
HAV Antibody Test
Results
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) test is a blood test that looks for proteins (antibodies) made by the body in response to the virus that causes hepatitis A.
Negative results of hepatitis virus testing mean that no antibodies against the hepatitis virus were found. Positive results mean that hepatitis A antibodies were found. Results are usually available in 5 to 7 days.
Hepatitis A test Negative: No hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies are found.
Positive: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies are found. You may need more tests to find out if you have a present, active infection or a past, resolved infection.
- IgM anti-HAV antibodies are found if you have an active infection. IgM antibodies usually show up in the blood as early as 2 weeks after you become infected with HAV, when symptoms of hepatitis A are present, and last for a few months after symptoms have gone away.
- Only IgG anti-HAV antibodies are found if you have had an infection in the past or when you have had the hepatitis A vaccine. This means that you are protected against the infection for life.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: September 9, 2008 |
| Medical Review: |
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
 | Results |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |