Hepatitis A Virus Antibody, IgM

Also known as: HAVABM

Clinical Use

Use

The Hepatitis A Virus Antibody, IgM test is used to diagnose acute hepatitis A virus infection. The presence of IgM antibodies against the hepatitis A virus suggests a current or recent infection, which is essential for clinical diagnosis and management of patients presenting with symptoms of viral hepatitis. It aids in distinguishing acute hepatitis A from other causes of hepatitis and is a crucial tool for the timely implementation of public health measures to prevent further transmission.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The test has limitations in certain specimen conditions, including heparinized plasma, citrate-based anticoagulant specimens, and those containing particulate matter or that are heat-inactivated, severely hemolyzed, or lipemic. Ambient temperature storage is unacceptable; refrigerated specimens are stable for 1 week, while frozen specimens are stable indefinitely, provided freeze/thaw cycles are avoided. An equivocal result may require retesting to assess seroconversion status in borderline results.

Test Details

FDA Approved

New York Approved

Methodology

Immunoassay (CLIA)

Biomarkers

Hepatitis A Virus IgM Antibody

Protein

Presence

Expression • Categorical (e.g., Positive / Negative / Indeterminate)

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

13950-1 - HAV IgM SerPl Ql IA

Result Turnaround Time

1 day

Specimen

Serum

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Container

ARUP standard transport tube

Collection Instructions

Separate serum from cells as soon as possible or within 2 hours of collection.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerated storage required. Ambient is unacceptable.

Causes for Rejection

Heparinized plasma, specimens collected in citrate-based anticoagulant, specimens containing particulate material, heat-inactivated, severely hemolyzed, or lipemic specimens.