Hepatitis A Virus Test

HAV Antibody Test

Why It Is Done

Hepatitis virus testing is done to:

• Identify the type of hepatitis virus causing a hepatitis infection.
• Screen people (such as doctors, dentists, and nurses) who have an increased chance of getting or spreading hepatitis A.
• Screen potential blood donors and donor organs to prevent the spread of hepatitis A.
• Find out whether a person has antibodies after getting a hepatitis A vaccine. If you had this vaccine and you now have antibodies to the hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV antibodies) in your blood, this means the vaccination was effective (you are immune to hepatitis A).
• Find out if a hepatitis A infection is the cause of abnormal liver function tests.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: September 9, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.