Hepatitis A Test
Hepatitis A Test is a crucial medical test which detects a liver infection caused by Hepatitis A Virus, also termed as HAV. There are number of causes that lead to Hepatitis and the symptoms related to it, this particular test proves to be very helpful in order to determine whether the symptoms are actually related to Hepatitis A or not.
It is extremely important to start the treatment of Hepatitis A at the earliest in order to tackle the disease before it spreads further. Although Hepatitis A infection has reduced since the introduction of Hepatitis A vaccine in 1995, still a lot of cases are reported every year in USA for which this test is recommended by the experts.
Hepatitis A Testing Options & Which one you should choose?
A variety of testing versions is available to detect the presence of various classes of Hepatitis A antibodies.
- The first test is the HAV IgM antibody test which checks for the first antibody that was produced by one’s body on being exposed to Hepatitis A. This test basically detects the most recent infections and helps to diagnose Hepatitis A in those people who show symptoms of acute Hepatitis.
- The next test is the HAV IgG test to detect IgG antibodies which develop in the body and remain for many years, perhaps throughout the life, and provide immunity against the same virus. This test is mainly required to determine whether a body has acquired immunity to the previous infection or not. In case the resistance has been acquired, further vaccination is not necessary.
- For further assistance to help diagnose the condition, other tests such as Liver Panel, AST, bilirubin and ALT might also be performed for more clarity over the disease.
Anyhow, the testing for Hepatitis A is quite quick. A small sample of your blood is taken and tested with the Hepatitis A Antibody Test. This test allows detecting and diagnosing acute Hepatitis A infections.
Where to Get Tested for Hepatitis A
We're the most trusted place in the United States for Hepatitis A Testing. With over 4000 testing centers spread across the United States, we have become the first choice for anyone looking for a reliable and convenient place to get tested for Hepatitis A.
Ordering a test is quite easy with us. First find a test center near you with your area zip code on our website and after that order your test online and visit the test center.
There is no appointment is required for the test.
At the test center, we will take just few minutes of your to take your blood sample.
Your results will be sent to you in next 24 to 48 hours.
Want to Get Tested for Hepatitis A?
Find a test center near you with your area zip code.
How to order a Hepatitis A Test Online?
Ordering for this test is a fairly easy task. Just click on the button below and register for your test online.
We have different packages available on our website for Hepatitis A. You can take Hepatitis A Test as an individual test or can club the test with other popular tests. The individual test for Hepatitis A cost you $24. However, a panel test including the tests for Hepatitis A,B, C and seven other popular STDs can be booked for a collective price of $198.
Once you pick your test, just click on the “Get Tested” button and you will be redirected to a page where you can enter your zip code to find out your nearest Hepatitis A test center.
Now you'll be asked to create an account on our website by filling out your personal information like First name, Last Name, Gender, Date of Birth and Email address.
After your profile creation is successful, fill out the payment details and make the payment for the test you've selected. You should make the payment online to book your test as the centers do not accept payments in any form.
After receiving your payment, we will send you an e-mail including a “Lab Requisition Form” along with a test code and the address of the selected STD center.
Just take this form to the testing center and get tested in less than 5 minutes.
When is the Right Time to Get Tested For Hepatitis A?
Once the HAV enters the body, it goes through an incubation period which might last from 2-7 weeks until the illness begins. Therefore, doctors suggest waiting for approximately 2-7 weeks to get tested regardless of the symptoms being present or not. Although HAV infection might not lead to a chronic liver disease, it could prove to be fatal in rare cases (0.5%).
How to Prepare for the Hepatitis A Test?
There are no particular preparatory steps to be taken before going in for a Hepatitis A test such as fasting or any such preparation. In order to expect the best possible results, usage of antibiotics should be avoided before moving in for the test.
How is the Hepatitis A test Done?
The procedure for Hepatitis A Test is quite simple and is similar for both men and women. This test requires a small amount of blood sample. Hence, when the patient visits the test center, a lab-technician draws a sample of small amount of blood and this sample is tested to diagnose HAV in the blood.
The main motive of this test is to detect antibodies to HAV in the blood. These antibodies are mainly the proteins which are developed by the body in response to the HAV. Thus, Hepatitis A Antibody Test determines if a person is diseased with Hepatitis A Virus.
What is Hepatitis A ?
Hepatitis A is a communicable disease mainly associated with liver and is caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). It affects both men and women and is sometimes found in young children as well. Hepatitis A might enter a body due to a close contact with another affected person, from food made by an infected person, or also by consuming shellfish taken out from contaminated water.
Any person, who does not have resistance against Hepatitis A can get infected by this disease. Certain types of people who are more prone to this disease:
- People sharing a household with an HAV diseased person
- People involved in sexual relation with an infected person
- Persons who consume undercooked or raw shellfish
- People addicted to injected drugs
- Men who have sex with men
- People traveling to those countries where this disease is common
Once a person recovers from Hepatitis A infection, he/she becomes immune to this disease for the rest of the life. Hepatitis A cannot happen twice to the same person.
In order to prevent Hepatitis A from occurring, proper personal hygiene and healthy habits must be followed in daily routine. A person suffering from this disease should not cook or serve food. Moreover, adding adequate chlorine to water also inactivates HAV.
It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that it is mandatory to vaccinate any child of the age of 1 year with Hepatitis A vaccine as it provides an excellent level of protection against this virus.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A
The common symptoms of Hepatitis A are listed below:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Diarrhea
- Dark-colored urine
- Light colored stool
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Mild illness
However, the symptoms are not always very prominent. Children infected below the age of 6 usually exhibit no symptoms or mild illness. Even if they get infected, they recover within a period of 2 months.
On the other hand, older children or adults infected with this disease generally develop the above mentioned symptoms. Mild illness can be overcome in 1-2 weeks but more severe sickness can take months to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What not to do when you have Hepatitis A?
A few precautionary measures ought to be taken when you are suffering from Hepatitis A such as:
- Do not cook or serve food yourself
- Do not involve into sexual intercourse with anyone
- Do not care for children, the elderly or any other person dependant on you
- Do not ignore the symptoms or the disease itself, consult and follow the doctor at the earliest.
- Avoid alcohol and other medications related to liver
How is Hepatitis A treated?
The treatment of Hepatitis A does not involve a very complicated process. If HAV is detected in its initial stage in a person, supportive care is recommended with no specific treatment of illness. Initial treatment mainly consists of bed rest and the diseased person must avoid working during this stage.
Antiemetics are used to treat nausea and vomiting while dehydration may involve some kind of hospital intervention for Intravenous Fluids. However, in most cases, hospitalization is not necessary.
Also, as soon as a case of Hepatitis A is detected, the appropriate health authorities in the vicinity of detection are notified in order to explore the reasons for occurrence of the disease and control it from spreading further at the earliest.
What happens if Hepatitis A is left untreated?
If this disease is left untreated, it might lead to acute liver failure, although in extremely rare patients such as old adults or people already suffering from chronic liver disease. In very rare cases, liver transplant is also required. Furthermore, it might be passed on to other people and create a widespread emergency in an area.
Hence, it is imperative to get vaccinated and tested. If reports reveal the detection of Hepatitis A, treatment must be done on priority in order to remain healthy and avoid putting others’ health at risk too.