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HAV AB Total

Hepatitis Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Hepatitis

Overview

HAV AB Total (total antibody to hepatitis A virus) measures the combined presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against hepatitis A virus (HAV) in blood. The test detects recent or past HAV exposure or vaccine-induced immunity: IgM indicates recent/acute infection, while IgG indicates prior infection or successful vaccination and usually long-term immunity. It is ordered when acute viral hepatitis is suspected (fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice) or to verify immunity before travel or in outbreak/contact settings. Results vary with age and immune status: children often have milder or asymptomatic infections while older adults may have more severe disease; immunocompromised people may have delayed or absent antibody responses. Maternal IgG can be detectable in infants for several months.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Included in the Hepatitis panel/profile.
Symptoms indicating test: acute onset jaundice, fatigue, anorexia, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, fever.
Conditions diagnosed/monitored: acute HAV infection (when IgM positive) and past infection or vaccine-induced immunity (when IgG positive/total positive).
Reasons for abnormal levels: recent infection, prior infection or vaccination (positive); early window period or true lack of exposure/vaccination (negative).
Biological meaning of abnormal values: positive total antibody = immunity or recent infection; positive IgM component = current/recent infection.
Behaviors/lifestyle causing abnormal values: travel to endemic areas, consumption of contaminated food/water, close household or sexual contact with infected persons.
Family history: household contact with HAV or history of unvaccinated household members increases need for testing.

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Understanding Test Results

A non-reactive total anti-HAV (index <1.0 or <20 mIU/mL) indicates no detectable antibodies the person is susceptible to HAV and may benefit from vaccination if at risk.
A reactive/positive total anti-HAV (index ≥1.0 or ≥20 mIU/mL) indicates exposure or immunity.
If the IgM-specific test is positive (often reported separately), this indicates acute or recent infection (IgM appears shortly before symptoms and persists ~4–6 months) and requires clinical management and contact precautions.
A positive total anti-HAV with negative IgM (IgG only) indicates past infection or vaccine-induced immunity (IgG generally considered protective at ≥20 mIU/mL).
False negatives can occur in very early infection or in immunosuppressed patients; false positives are uncommon but possible.
Positive IgM warrants public-health measures (identify contacts, consider post-exposure prophylaxis) and clinical follow-up.

Normal Range

Index <1.0 (non-reactive) OR <20 mIU/mL

FAQs

Q: What does positive HAV AB total mean?

A: A positive HAV Ab total means antibodies to hepatitis A virus are present. This indicates either past infection or immunity from vaccination, or a recent/acute infection if IgM is present. A total antibody test does not distinguish IgM from IgG, so correlate with symptoms and vaccination history or request HAV IgM and IgG testing to determine whether infection is current or reflects long-term immunity.

Q: What is the cure for hepatitis A AB total?

A: Hepatitis A (positive total antibodies) has no specific antiviral cure; the infection is usually self‑limiting. Treatment is supportive: rest, hydration, good nutrition, avoiding alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs, and monitoring liver function. Severe cases may require hospitalization. Prevention is by vaccination; recent exposures can receive hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin as post‑exposure prophylaxis within recommended timeframes.

Q: What is the normal range for HAV test?

A: HAV serology normal ranges: anti‑HAV IgM negative/non‑reactive (commonly index <1.0); anti‑HAV IgG (total) negative if <20 IU/L and positive/protective if ≥20 IU/L, indicating past infection or vaccination. A positive IgM indicates recent/acute hepatitis A. Laboratory reference ranges vary, so discuss results with your clinician for accurate interpretation. Values are sometimes reported as \

Q: What happens if HAV is positive?

A: If HAV is positive it usually means recent hepatitis A infection (IgM) or past infection/vaccination (IgG). Acute HAV often causes fatigue, jaundice, nausea, abdominal pain and is highly contagious—contagious from about 2 weeks before symptoms to roughly 1 week after jaundice onset. Management is supportive (rest, fluids, avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs); most recover fully. Notify your clinician/public health; close contacts may need post‑exposure prophylaxis.

Q: Is hepatitis A an STD?

A: Hepatitis A is primarily a fecal–oral infection spread by ingesting virus from contaminated food, water, or hands. It is not classed as a typical sexually transmitted disease, but it can be transmitted during sexual activities that involve oral–anal contact or close personal contact with an infected person. Prevention includes vaccination, good hand hygiene, safe sex practices, and avoiding risky exposures.

Q: Can hepatitis A be cured?

A: Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection that usually cannot be \