This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Serology

Authoring team

There is a rise in serum transaminases 22-40 days after exposure.

Serum antibody to HAV appears as the stool becomes negative for virus:

  • serum IgM anti-HAV
    • implies recent infection
    • detectable about 3 weeks after exposure and increases in titre over 4–6 weeks, it persists for 2-6 months (rarely for up to one year) in low titre then declines to non-detectable levels (2)
    • negative tests should be repeated if taken <5 days after the onset of symptoms to exclude a false-negative result (3)
    • when the test result is reactive but probable non-specific IgM reactivity, repeat the test (3)
    • false positive IgM are more common in the elderly and should be interpreted with caution (since they are likely to have had hepatitis A in childhood) (4)
  • serum IgG anti-HAV
    • persists for many years (usually lifelong)
    • probably conveys immunity to further infection with HAV (1)

Other investigations include:

  • serum/plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels – 500-10,000 i.u./l
  • billirubin – upto 500 micromoles/litre
  • alkaline phosphatase levels
  • prothrombin time – if prolonged for more than 5 seconds suggests developing hepatic decompensation (5)

Reference:

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.