Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) - IgG

The Hepatitis A Virus - IgG test is used to detect and diagnose the presence of hepatitis A in the bloodstream. Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). This disease primarily affects liver functionality and is highly contagious.

It entails a wide variety of distinct symptoms, including:

• Sharp abdominal pain 
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite 
• Light-coloured stool 
• Dark urine 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Flu-like symptoms
• Weight loss
• Low-grade fever 
• Intense itching 
• Joint pain

The symptoms of hepatitis A appear 14 to 28 days post contact with the hepatitis A virus. So, if you start noticing any of these symptoms, make sure you take the Hepatitis A Virus - IgG test.

The disease spreads via a faecal-oral route, meaning it spreads when an uninfected person ingests water or food contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. This can happen if the infected member prepares food for their family without washing their hands.

Here are some other ways of catching the hepatitis A virus:

• Having sexual contact with an infected person
• Drinking polluted water
• Coming in contact with faeces infected with the hepatitis A virus
• Consuming raw shellfish that has been contaminated by the sewage water
• Eating food prepared by an infected person

There is a chance that you might have the virus, but you will not show any visible symptoms. In that scenario, a physical examination will not be enough. Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive Hepatitis A Virus - IgG test that uses a blood sample and has a nominal Hepatitis A test cost.

This test gauges the levels of IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies in your bloodstream. These antibodies are already present in your body and help ward off the hepatitis A virus. From the test results, the following inferences can be made:

A positive result indicates the presence of IgG antibodies in your bloodstream. This means that you have either had the hepatitis A virus in the past or you have been vaccinated against it.

A negative result indicates the absence of IgG antibodies, implying that you have had no past exposure to the virus or have strong immunity against it.

Although the disease is short-lived, it is quite painful and can cause increased discomfort. In rare cases, it might even damage your liver permanently. Hence, it is always better to take necessary precautions:

• Ensure you wash your hands well with soap and warm water after using the restroom. 
• Avoid drinking local water and drink only bottled water if you wish to drink water from outside. 
• Dine at reputed restaurants, and avoid eating food sold by street vendors. 
• Ensure you don't consume food in an area with low sanitation. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shravan Bohra, Gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad.

Frequently asked questions

Who is at risk of immediate hepatitis A exposure?

Following people are at risk of getting Hepatitis A easily: International travellers  People who indulge in drug and substance abuse Homeless people  People who indulge in unsafe sexual activities People who are exposed to the virus as an occupational risk

Can the hepatitis A virus survive outside a human body for long?

The hepatitis A virus can survive without a host for as long as months. It is not affected by cold either. The only way that the virus dies is through exposure to heat.

Are there any risks associated with the Hepatitis A Virus - IgG test?

No, there are no risks associated with the test. The only risk in this situation would be any rash or pain caused by the needle piercing your skin.

Can I contract Hepatitis A if I have had it in the past?

No, if you have had Hepatitis A in the past, you will not contract the disease again. Your body might develop antibodies against it, which will protect you against the virus for life.

Is there a need to fast for the Hepatitis A test?

No, there is no need to fast before the Hepatitis A test.

Is there a vaccine for hepatitis A?

Yes, there is a vaccine available for hepatitis A. It is given to children between the ages of 12-23 months. It can also be consumed by kids and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 18 if they haven't yet received one.