Anti Hepatitis A Virus (ANTI HAV) - IgM
Report in 24Hrs
At Home
Details
The Anti-HAV IgM test detects IgM antibodies produced by the immune system in response to acute Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
₹569₹880
35% OFF
1000+ Booked this Test
🧪 Anti-HAV IgM (Anti–Hepatitis A Virus Immunoglobulin M)
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Full Name | Anti-Hepatitis A Virus – IgM Antibody |
Sample Type | Blood (Serum) |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
Method | ELISA / CLIA (Enzyme Immunoassay or Chemiluminescence) |
🔬 What Is It?
The Anti-HAV IgM test detects IgM antibodies produced by the immune system in response to acute Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection.
- IgM is the first antibody to appear in response to HAV.
- Indicates a recent or ongoing infection.
🧠 Organs Involved
Organ/System | Involvement |
|---|---|
Liver | Target organ of HAV, often inflamed |
Immune System | Produces IgM antibodies in acute phase |
🎯 Why Is This Test Ordered?
Purpose | Clinical Context |
|---|---|
✅ Diagnose acute hepatitis A | Patient presents with jaundice, fatigue, nausea |
🧪 Identify early-stage HAV | Especially in outbreaks or contaminated food events |
🛑 Confirm source of hepatitis | When ALT/AST are elevated with unknown cause |
🧪 When Does IgM Appear?
- Appears: ~2–3 weeks after exposure
- Peaks: During symptomatic phase
- Disappears: In 3–6 months
📊 Test Interpretation
Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
Positive | Recent or active acute hepatitis A infection |
Negative | No recent HAV infection (consider testing IgG instead) |
A positive Anti-HAV IgM is diagnostic of acute HAV infection when supported by symptoms or elevated liver enzymes.
🧪 Recommended Tests to Be Done Alongside
Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
Liver Function Tests (LFT) | Assess liver inflammation (ALT, AST, Bilirubin) |
Anti-HAV IgG | Determine if patient has long-term immunity post-infection |
Hepatitis B & C panel | Rule out co-infection or alternate cause of hepatitis |
CBC | May show lymphocytosis or mild leukocytosis |
🔬 Anti-HAV IgM vs Anti-HAV IgG
Feature | Anti-HAV IgM | Anti-HAV IgG |
|---|---|---|
Appears | Early (acute phase) | Later (recovery or post-vaccination) |
Duration | Short-term (disappears in months) | Long-term (lifelong immunity) |
Indicates | Active/recent infection | Past infection or vaccination |
✅ Summary Table
Test Name | Anti-HAV IgM |
|---|---|
Used For | Diagnosing acute Hepatitis A |
Result Meaning (Positive) | Recent or current infection |
Sample Type | Serum (Blood) |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
Often Ordered With | Anti-HAV IgG, LFT, Hepatitis B/C markers |
⚠️ Clinical Tips
- Most cases of HAV are self-limiting, but early detection prevents transmission, especially in community or travel settings.
- Anti-HAV IgM does not indicate immunity – IgG must be tested for that.
How our test process works!
