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.

Normal results of hepatitis virus testing are called negative. This means that no antibodies of a hepatitis virus were found. Results are usually available in 5 to 7 days.

Hepatitis A test

Normal (negative):

No hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies are found.

Abnormal (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 for a few months after symptoms have gone away. Only IgM 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:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: December 15, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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