Anti-HAV IgM (hepatitis A)

This test is used to detect hepatitis A. Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is characterised by liver enlargement. It is transmitted through contaminated food and water or contact with infected individuals (disease of dirty hands). When the body is exposed to the hepatitis A virus, it produces antibodies (anti-HAV) that can be detected in the blood. Anti-HAV IgM antibodies appear in the patient's blood 2-7 weeks after infection and persist in the circulation for another 3 to 8 months. Hepatitis A differs from hepatitis B and C in terms of transmission routes, at-risk groups, and the minimal likelihood of developing chronic complications. It is considered a significantly milder disease. In as many as 90% of infected individuals, it passes without developing symptoms (fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light stool, jaundice).