Hepatitis A Virus IgM Antibody, Serum

Clinical Use

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

Not provided.

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.

Test Details

FDA Approved