Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive immunity assessment – detects antibodies to hepatitis A
- Reactive/Non-reactive results – does not distinguish between IgM and IgG
- Peace of mind – confirms vaccination effectiveness or natural immunity
- Early detection – identifies infection before severe symptoms develop
- Travel safety – ensures protection before visiting high-risk areas
- No fasting required – convenient testing with simple blood draw
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing symptoms of hepatitis A
- People planning travel to hepatitis A endemic regions
- Healthcare workers and food service employees requiring immunity verification
- Anyone wanting to confirm hepatitis A vaccination effectiveness
- Individuals with known exposure to hepatitis A virus
- People with chronic liver conditions monitoring additional hepatitis risks
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - select your test and schedule appointment at nearby lab
- Visit lab - provide blood sample via simple, quick draw procedure
- Get results - receive secure, confidential results within 2-3 business days.
FAQ
Does this test differentiate IgM and IgG antibodies? No. This test provides a single reactive or non-reactive result for both antibodies and does not distinguish between recent infection (IgM) or past infection/vaccination (IgG).
How long does hepatitis A immunity last? Natural immunity from infection or vaccination typically provides lifelong protection against hepatitis A.
Can I get hepatitis A twice? No, once you've had hepatitis A or been vaccinated, you develop lifelong immunity.
How accurate is this test? The hepatitis A antibody test has over 95% accuracy for detecting antibodies.
What if my test shows no antibodies? Absence of antibodies means you're susceptible to hepatitis A and should consider vaccination.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Hepatitis A Antibody Blood Test, Total detects antibodies to hepatitis A. It helps assess immunity and confirm infection exposure. Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, typically spread via contaminated food or water. Although most infections resolve without treatment, testing is useful to confirm immunity and identify potential infection.
Who would benefit from this test?
Healthcare workers, food service employees, travelers to endemic areas, individuals with possible exposure, and anyone seeking to confirm vaccination effectiveness can benefit from testing. People with chronic liver conditions may also want to check their hepatitis A status.
When should I order a Hepatitis A Antibody Blood Test, Total?
Order this test if you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowed skin or eyes, dark urine, or clay-colored stools. Testing is also recommended before travel to high-risk areas, after potential exposure, or to verify vaccination immunity. Healthcare and food service workers may need periodic testing for occupational requirements.
How do I interpret the results?
- Reactive: Antibodies to hepatitis A are present (immune or infected)
- Non-reactive: No antibodies detected (susceptible, consider vaccination)
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. You don't need to fast or avoid any foods or medications. Simply arrive at your scheduled appointment time for a routine blood draw. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you're taking, though they typically don't affect test results.
How often should I get tested?
- Post-vaccination verification: 4–8 weeks after final dose
- High-risk occupation: As required by employer
- Travel to endemic areas: Before each trip if unvaccinated
- Known exposure: 2–7 weeks after exposure
- Routine screening: Once if immunity is uncertain
Why early detection matters
Early detection of hepatitis A infection allows for proper medical monitoring and prevents transmission to others. While hepatitis A typically resolves on its own, early identification helps manage symptoms and prevents complications in high-risk individuals. Knowing your immunity status protects you and helps prevent outbreaks in communities, workplaces, and travel settings.
Related tests you may consider
Hepatitis Blood Test Panel, Acute - Helps detect and diagnose acute liver infection and inflammation that is due to one of the three most common hepatitis viruses: hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Hepatic Function (Liver) Panel Blood Test- Assesses the overall health of the liver by measuring the different enzymes, proteins, and other substances made by the liver.
Immunity Plus Blood Test Panel - Detects antibodies to common infectious diseases, Hepatitis A & B, MMR, and Varicella, to help confirm immunity.
