Brief Description

Hepatitis A IgM, Hepatitis B

Laboratory Unit

Virology

Methodology

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)

Specimen Collection

Red Top Tube

Storage/Transport

Hepatitis A- Serum must be separated from the clot. Specimens should be refrigerated and shipped on freeze packs if received within 7 days. If greater than 7 days specimens should be frozen and shipped on dry ice.

Hepatitis B- Specimens should be refrigerated and shipped on freeze packs if received within 4 days. If greater than 4 days specimens should be frozen and shipped on dry ice.

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Whole Blood
Serum
Plasma

Test Request Form(s)

Possible Results

Varies by test method.

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Hemolyzed
  • Lipemic
  • No name on specimen
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen

Interfering Substances

Healthcare providers should limit use of IgM anti-HAV testing to persons with evidence of clinical hepatitis or to those who have had recent exposure to an HAV-infected person. Use of IgM anti-HAV as a screening tool for asymptomatic persons or as part of testing panels for the workup of non-acute liver function abnormalities is discouraged.

Positive Test Results for Acute Hepatitis A Virus Infection Among Persons With No Recent History of Acute Hepatitis --- United States, 2002--2004

Result Reported

Hepatitis A - Day of receipt

Hepatitis B - 7 days

Fees

N/A

CPT Codes

N/A

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

N/A

Additional Information

Hepatitis A provided only for diagnosis of acute illness.

See Hepatitis Criteria Letter for Hepatitis B program requirements.