Hepatitis A antibody test

Definition

Hepatitis virus blood tests detect the presence of antibodies to viruses that cause the disease hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). The tests are specific to Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C viruses. A "panel" of tests can be used to screen blood samples for more than one kind of hepatitis virus at the same time.

Alternative Names

Hepatitis A antibody test; Hepatitis B antibody test; Hepatitis C antibody test; Hepatitis D antibody test

Why the Hepatitis A antibody test is Performed

These tests are performed to detect infection by hepatitis-causing viruses. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Three common viruses can cause hepatitis -- the viruses are called Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is usually spread when something contaminated with infected stool is placed in the mouth. It has an incubation period of 2 to 6 weeks (before symptoms appear).

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is most frequently transmitted by contact with infected blood or through sex with an infected person, but it can also be transmitted by other body fluids. HBV can cause a severe and unrelenting form of hepatitis ending in liver failure and death.

The incidence of HBV is higher among blood-transfusion recipients, male homosexuals,  dialysis patients, organ transplant patients, and intravenous (I.V.) drug users. It has a long incubation period (it takes anywhere from 5 weeks to 6 months for symptoms to appear after the person has been infected).

The Hepatitis B virus is made up of an inner core surrounded by an outer capsule. The outer capsule contains a protein called HBsAg (Hep B surface antigen). The inner core contains HBcAg (Hep B core antigen). A third protein called HBeAg is also found within the core. In addition to detecting Hepatitis B virus itself, tests can detect antibodies a patient has made to these antigens (viruses). The antibodies are called HBsAb, HBcAb, and HBeAb.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted in a manner similar to Hepatitis B. The incubation period is 2 to 12 weeks after exposure. The symptoms and course of the illness are similar to HBV.

Hepatitis D only causes disease when Hepatitis B is also present. It is not routinely checked on a hepatitis antibody panel.

How the Hepatitis A antibody test is Performed

Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Hepatitis A antibody test

No special preparation is needed.

How the Hepatitis A antibody test Will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Risks

The risks associated with having blood drawn are:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

Considerations

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Normal Results

No presence of antibodies (a negative test) is normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Serology (blood) tests have been developed to detect the presence of antibodies to each of the hepatitis viruses. IgM antibodies appear 3 to 4 weeks after exposure and usually return to normal in about 8 weeks. IgG antibodies appear about 2 weeks after the IgM antibodies start to increase. These IgG antibodies may persist forever.

If the IgM antibody is elevated in the absence of IgG antibody, acute hepatitis is suspected. If IgG antibody is increased, but not IgM antibody, a convalescent or chronic state is likely.

Positive tests may indicate:

• Hepatitis A (results may show active infection or recovery from a prior infection)
• Hepatitis B (results may show recovery from prior infection, or immunity from Hep B vaccine -- both indicate immunity to the disease)
• Hepatitis C (results may show that the patient is a chronic carrier of this disease)
• chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis B carrier state
• Hepatitis D, when found in conjunction with Hepatitis B

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Chronic persistent hepatitis
• Delta agent (Hepatitis D)
• Nephrotic syndrome

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