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Hepatitis a virus test

Hepatitis A Virus Test
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What is hepatitis A testing in children?

Hepatitis A virus tests are blood tests that check for a substance (antibodies) in your child's blood. They show whether your child has hepatitis A now or had it in the past. The tests also can show if your child is protected from getting the disease.

Why is hepatitis A testing done?

You may need these tests if:

  • You have symptoms of hepatitis.
  • You may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus. You have a greater chance of being exposed to the virus if you have been to a country where the disease is common, you work in a day care center, or you live with someone who has the disease.
  • You've had other tests that show you have liver problems.
  • You or your doctor wants to know if you are protected from getting the disease.

What do the results of hepatitis A testing mean?

The test looks for antibodies made by the body to fight the virus. They will be in your blood if you have a hepatitis A infection now or have had one in the past.

If you are tested soon after you were infected with hepatitis A, the test may show that you don't have the disease even when you have it. This is because hepatitis A antibodies can take weeks to develop. They may not be in your blood yet.

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Hepatitis A test

Negative:

No hepatitis A virus antibodies are found.

Positive:

Hepatitis A antibodies are found. You may need more tests to find out if you have an active infection now or a past infection that got better.

  • IgM antibodies are found if you have an active or a recent infection. These antibodies usually show up as early as 2 weeks after you become infected. They last for a few months after symptoms have gone away.
  • IgG antibodies are found if you had an infection in the past or have been vaccinated.

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