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Medical Video: Hepatitis A and B | Nucleus Health
Definition
What is a hepatitis A test?
The hepatitis A virus test is a blood test that is performed to look for proteins (antibodies) produced by the body as a reaction to the hepatitis A virus. This type of protein will only be detected in the body if you are currently infected with the hepatitis A virus or have had a previous medical history. . It is important to be able to identify the type of hepatitis virus that causes infection so that steps can be taken to prevent the spread of the disease and to start optimal therapy.
HAV infection spreads through food or water that has been contaminated by feces from people with HAV.
- Anti-HAV IgM antibodies shows that hepatitis A infection has only recently occurred. Anti-HAV IgM antibodies can generally be detected in the blood approximately 2 weeks after the first contact with HAV. This type of antibody will disappear after 3-12 months after infection.
- Anti-HAV IgG antibodies shows that you have contracted hepatitis A virus infection. Anti-HAV IgG antibodies will appear 8 - 12 months after the first contact of infection and will continue to remain forever in the blood as protection (immunity) from HAV.
A hepatitis A vaccine is available to prevent HAV infection. If you have received the vaccine and detected anti-HAV antibodies in the blood, this means your HAV vaccination is effective.
When should I have a hepatitis A test?
A hepatitis A virus test is performed if the doctor diagnoses the appearance of a sign of hepatitis A. This test is used to:
- detect hepatitis infection that you currently have or history of infection
- determine how infectious the patient is with hepatitis
- supervise patients who are undergoing hepatitis therapy
Other conditions that allow doctors to recommend the HAV test are:
- acute persistent hepatitis
- delta agent (Hepatitis D)
- nephrotic syndrome
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing a hepatitis A test?
The spread of HAV can be prevented by giving vaccinations. You can also prevent hepatitis A virus infection even after you have come into contact with a virus if you have received a vaccine or immunoglobulin dose.
Hepatitis antibodies can be formed weekly or monthly after the first contact, so your HAV test results may look negative even if you have an initial infection (false-negative). Other tests that will show how good your heart is working are usually done if your doctor diagnoses signs of hepatitis. The test series included measuring levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. HAV does not cause long-term illness, so there is no need to take a follow-up test after the infection disappears.
Process
What should I do before I get a hepatitis A test?
There is no special preparation ahead of the Hepatitis A Virus test, except consulting your doctor
What is the process of testing hepatitis A?
The medical personnel who are in charge of taking your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop the blood flow. This makes the blood vessels under the bond enlarge making it easier to inject needles into the vessels
- clean the part to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be needed.
- attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood
- remove the ties from your arms when taking blood is enough
- attach gauze or cotton to the injected part, after the injection is finished
- put pressure on the part and then put on a bandage
What should I do after undergoing a hepatitis A test?
You won't feel anything from the injection, or you can feel a slight sting like pinching. You can return home and do normal activities as before after the blood test is over. Your doctor will contact or schedule you regarding taking test results and discussions. Results can be received 5-7 days.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Negative results from the HAV test mean that no antibodies were found. Positive results mean finding hepatitis A antibodies in the blood.
| Hepatitis A test | |
| Negative: | No HAV antibodies have been found |
| Positive: | The discovery of hepatitis A antibodies in the blood. You may need a series of additional tests to find out if you have an infection that is currently active or has a history of infection.
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Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
