Viral Hepatitis
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.
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.