Hepatitis A Virus IgM Antibody, Serum
Use
Hepatitis A virus is an endemic infection prevalent in areas with poor hygiene and low socioeconomic conditions, transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route. Serological diagnosis of acute hepatitis A relies on detecting anti-HAV IgM antibodies, indicating recent exposure to the virus. Detection of this antibody suggests an acute or recent infection, valuable for diagnosing outbreaks, especially in institutional or overcrowded settings like prisons and daycare centers. Anti-HAV IgM appears approximately 4 weeks post-infection and remains detectable for about 6 months, crucial for epidemiological investigations and reporting to health departments.
Special Instructions
For accurate results, patients should not consume biotin-containing supplements 24 hours before specimen collection. If not ordered electronically, complete and mail one of the specified serology test request forms. The test should be performed using serum collected in a specific tube and processed swiftly to avoid rejection criteria such as high hemolysis or lipemia levels.
Limitations
The performance of this test is not FDA-licensed for blood, plasma, or tissue donor screening. Results should be interpreted considering the patient’s medical history, clinical examination, and potential interfering substances like biotin, high-titer antibodies, or heterophilic antibodies. False positives may arise from cross-reactivity with other viral infections or underlying conditions, and high-dose biotin can result in false negatives. Assay performance has not been validated in immunosuppressed patients or specific specimen conditions, such as excessive bilirubin or hemolysis.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13950-1
- 13950-1
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.6 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions and aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For 24 hours before specimen collection, patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7).
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus, heat-inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |