Hepatitis A Antibody, IgM

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is an infection affecting the liver; and, is caused by a virus: the hepatitis A virus. There are many kinds of hepatitis infections. These normally cause the inflammation and enlargement of the liver. There are five specific kinds of hepatitis viruses. What makes the hepatitis A different from the others is that, despite causing a severe acute illness that will last for up to two months, it does not transform into a chronic infection.

The transmission route of hepatitis A is through contaminated food and water, or by getting in close contact with infected person. Also, you can get hepatitis A by having sex with somebody who has the virus; or, eating raw seafood that came from sewage contaminated water. Food and water that are contaminated with this virus can cause illness even in small amounts. You cannot spread hepatitis A by sneezing or coughing.

The symptoms of hepatitis A start surfacing after a few weeks from being infected. They include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, having a low-grade fever, abdominal pains on the upper right side, yellowing of the skin or the white of the eyes, and having clay-colored stool. Symptoms will probably go away in few weeks; however, some cases of hepatitis A can result in a severe illness that can take many months to clear.

When the liver is infected with hepatitis A, it is unable to function properly. It will not be able to tackle toxins and waste products, such as the bilirubin. When a person is infected, both bilirubin and liver enzymes levels increase in the blood. Also, upon infection, the body starts producing hepatitis A IgM antibodies. It will take the body two to three weeks to have the antibodies detectable in tests. These antibodies remain in the system for up to six months.

Why take the Hepatitis A Antibody, IgM test?

The hepatitis A IgM test can help diagnose acute hepatitis and evaluate the need for hepatitis A vaccine. If you think you have the symptoms of such an infection, you need to get tested. Those who might be at high risk of contracting hepatitis A need to be tested.

Risk factors include traveling to areas where hepatitis A is prevalent, living with people who are infected with this virus, being military personnel, engaging in high-risk sexual activities, being gay or bisexual, working in daycare centers or in laboratories that handle the virus itself, or caring for primate animals that could carry hepatitis A. Also, having a clotting-factor disorder or being HIV positive can increase your chances of being infected with hepatitis A.

While hepatitis A does not cause any chronic condition; for some individuals, it could lead to complications like liver failure that may require liver transplant. Getting tested is the surest way to diagnose the virus and manage it properly. An infected person can spread the virus to others one to three weeks before symptoms start showing, and as long as many weeks after jaundice happens. So, if you think you have been exposed to Hepatitis A, get tested to prevent transferring the infection to others, especially to elderly on whom the illness will be more severe.

What can cause false results?

Individuals who got infected with Hepatitis A may still have antibodies for this virus in their system for a prolonged period of time. If they got tested during that period, their result might be counted as a false positive. Also, these antibodies can be detected post-vaccination. Medicines and supplements do not have any effect on hepatitis A results.

What your Hepatitis A Antibody, IgM test results mean?

A positive result for IgM Hepatitis A indicates an acute or recent infection with hepatitis A. If the IgM Hepatitis A are negative; then, there is no active infection. While hepatitis A can go away on its own within a few months, there are a few steps that need to be taken by the infected individual, such as:

• Taking it easy with your daily activities to make sure you are giving your body enough rest.
• Drinking a lot of water or liquids to prevent dehydration.
• Eating a well-balanced diet that can offer you a wide range of micro and macronutrients.
• Staying away from alcohol and drugs. You do not want to make your liver worse.
• Staying under the care of your doctor to ensure a total recovery from this infection.

Where can I get a Hepatitis A Antibody, IgM test near me?

Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: May 27, 2019