Hepatitis A

Brief Description

Hepatitis A IgM

Laboratory Unit

Virology

Methodology

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)

Specimen Collection

Red Top Tube

Storage/Transport

  • Store serum separated from clot at refrigerator temperature (2-8⁰C) after collection. Ship with  freezer pillow(s) provided. Specimens must be received within 7 days of collection.
  • Serum separated from the clot can be stored at -20°C or below and shipped with dry ice.

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Whole Blood
Serum
Plasma

Test Request Form(s)

Virology Test Request Form

Possible Results

Negative

Equivocal

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Hemolyzed
  • Lipemic
  • No sample ID
  • 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 – Day of receipt

Fees

N/A

CPT Codes

N/A

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

N/A

Additional Information

Kit Instructions

Hepatitis A provided only for diagnosis of acute illness.