Hepatitis A Antibody Total with Reflex to IgM

What is Hepatitis A Antibody Total with Reflex to IgM test?

The "Hepatitis A Antibody Total with Reflex to IgM" test is a laboratory test that measures the presence of antibodies against the hepatitis A virus (HAV) in the blood.

What is the Hepatitis A Antibody Total with Reflex to IgM test used for?

This hepatitis A Ab total w/refl to IgM is used to diagnose and determine the immune status of individuals with respect to hepatitis A. It helps healthcare providers identify if a person has been previously infected with hepatitis A or has been vaccinated against it.

Why and when do you need to get tested?

There are several reasons why you may need to get tested for hepatitis A antibodies. These include:

·         Routine screening: Some healthcare providers may recommend routine screening for hepatitis A antibodies, especially in certain high-risk groups or during outbreaks.

·         Suspected exposure: If you have been in close contact with someone with hepatitis A or have consumed contaminated food or water, your healthcare provider may recommend testing to determine if you have been infected.

·         Symptoms: If you develop symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), your healthcare provider may order this test to check for hepatitis A infection.

Which kind of sample is required?

The test requires a blood sample, usually obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm. The blood is then collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Do you need to prepare for the Hepatitis A Ab total w/refl IgM test?

Generally, no specific preparation is needed for the test. However, following instructions from your healthcare provider or the laboratory where the test is conducted is always advisable. They may ask you to fast (avoid eating or drinking anything except water) for a few hours before the test.

What is being tested in the Hepatitis A Ab, total w/refl IgM test?  

The "Hepatitis A Antibody Total with Reflex to IgM" test specifically measures the total antibodies against hepatitis A. In some cases, if the total antibody result is positive or equivocal, it may be further reflexed to measure the IgM antibodies. IgM antibodies are produced during the early stages of hepatitis A infection and can indicate an acute or recent infection.

Are there any risks to this test?  

The risks associated with this test are minimal. There may be slight discomfort or bruising at the site where the blood is drawn, but serious complications are rare.

What does the test result mean?

The test results are typically reported as positive or negative for hepatitis A antibodies. The interpretation of the results depends on the specific situation and clinical context. Here are the general interpretations:

Positive result: A positive result indicates that antibodies against hepatitis A are present in your blood. This could mean you have had a previous hepatitis A infection or have been vaccinated against hepatitis A. If you have symptoms suggestive of acute hepatitis A, a positive result may indicate a current infection.

Negative result: A negative result means no antibodies against hepatitis A were detected in your blood. This could indicate that you have not been infected with hepatitis A in the past and have not received the hepatitis A vaccine. However, it's important to note that a negative result does not rule out recent exposure to the virus, as antibodies can take a few weeks to develop after infection.

Reflex to IgM: If the initial total antibody result is positive or equivocal, the test may be further reflexed to measure IgM antibodies. Positive IgM antibodies suggest a recent infection, while negative IgM antibodies indicate an older or resolved infection.

Our clinical experts continually monitor the health and medical content posted on CURA4U, and we update our blogs and articles when new information becomes available. Last reviewed by Dr.Saad Zia on June 04, 2023. 

References

Natalizumab: Acute liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy secondary to hepatitis B virus infection: case report - ProQuest

https://www.proquest.com/openview/d4d347fa0aed323f608643503e63fbd1/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=43703

Detection of Immunoglobulin M Antibody to Hepatitis A Virus in Alaska Residents without Other Evidence of Hepatitis | Clinical Infectious Diseases | Oxford Academic

https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/41/9/e86/279734