Hepatitis A virus - Total Antibody Test

Hepatitis A is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but it may also be transmitted by close contact with an infected individual's or even contaminated food. Hepatitis A is known as a very contagious disease which attacks the liver which is preventable by a special vaccination. This lab test is commonly used for differential diagnosis of hepatitis and to ascertain for the presence of IgM antibody to hepatitis A virus. There are many symptoms of hepatitis A which can include: Fatigue Nausea Stomach pain/Discomfort Vomiting Jaundice and dark urine Clay-colored stool

No special preparations is required for this kind of lab testing. The patient can inform the doctor if the patient is taking any blood thinning medicines. The doctor will advise the patient to not take such certain medications. The hepatitis virus panel is a collection of tests which is used to determine viral hepatitis infections. It helps to differentiate between current and past infections. The viral panel uses antibody and antigen tests, which makes it easy to determine different kinds of viruses simultaneously. Antibodies means proteins made by our body’s immune system to fight against harmful substances. Antibodies react to proteins known as antigens. Antigens are in form of fungi, bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Each antibody detects a particular type of antigen. It also helps to differentiate between current and past infections.

The test can have many uses like this test is used to help detect a liver infection because of the hepatitis A virus (HAV). There can be several reasons of hepatitis and its resulting symptoms, so this test will help to diagnose whether the symptoms are because to hepatitis A. A more different and latest versions of the test can also be prescribed to determine different classes of hepatitis A antibodies. An HAV test can also be ordered if an individual is likely to have been caused to the virus irrespective of whether symptoms are viable or not.

For the testing the doctor will be in need to take a sample of blood from the patient's arm. To take the blood samples, the doctor will clean the site with a swab of rubbing alcohol and put a needle into a vein that’s attached to a tube. When the required blood has been collected in the tube, the needle is removed. The body is generally protected with an absorptive pad.

Now in case the blood sample is being taken from an baby or young child, the doctor can make use of a tool lancet instead of the needle used in case of adult. The use of lancet pierced the skin and it is less scary than a needle. The blood samples will then be composed on a table slide and a bandage will be used to protect the site. After this the blood samples will go to a laboratory for testing. Whether the patient is contagious will depend on which kind of virus the patient is infected with and how long you’ve been infected. There are also chances to spread viral hepatitis even when the patient doesn't have shown any symptoms. Now after the testing if the patient is diagnosed with HAV, then the patient is contagious from the starting of infection up to two weeks.