Hepatitis E Virus IgM Antibody Screen with Reflex to Confirmation, Serum
Use
Diagnosis of acute or recent (less than 6 months) hepatitis E infection. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute, usually self-limited infection. HEV is endemic in Southeast and Central Asia, with outbreaks observed in the Middle East, northern and western parts of Africa, and Mexico. In developed countries, HEV infection occurs mainly in travelers to disease-endemic areas. Anti-HEV IgM is the serologic marker of choice for acute HEV infection diagnosis.
Special Instructions
Date of collection is required. If not ordering electronically, complete and send test request forms: Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Infectious Disease Serology, or Microbiology Test Request forms. Aliquot serum into a plastic vial after centrifuging the blood collection tube as per manufacturer's instructions.
Limitations
This test shows a high specificity rate, but false-positive results may occur due to low prevalence of acute hepatitis E in the population screened. HEV IgM antibody confirmatory test is necessary to confirm the reactive HEV IgM antibody screening result. Negative results do not exclude recent HEV infection, especially in immunocompromised patients. Repeat testing for anti-HEV IgM in 2 to 4 weeks may be necessary for a conclusive diagnosis.
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 14212-5
- 14212-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions. Aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 24 hours |
