Question 1

What is Chronic Hepatitis A Infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis A infection is a rare prolonged form of hepatitis A virus infection that persists for 6-9 months instead of resolving within weeks. It is caused by an extended immune response to the hepatitis A virus (HAV), resulting in persistent viral activity or relapsing illness. The Hepatitis A IgM Antibody test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects the antibodies that remain elevated during this unusual chronic form of the infection.

Question 2

What causes chronic hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic hepatitis A infection is caused by an unusually prolonged immune response to the hepatitis A virus (HAV). While most people clear the acute hepatitis A infection within 2-3 months, some individuals experience persistent or relapsing viral activity that extends for 6-9 months. This extended course occurs when the body continues producing antibodies and inflammatory responses against the virus, preventing complete resolution of the infection.

Question 3

What is the best test for chronic hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis A IgM Antibody test is the most important test for chronic hepatitis A infection because it specifically detects IgM antibodies that indicate active or recent hepatitis A virus infection. In typical acute cases, these antibodies disappear within a few months, but in chronic hepatitis A, they persist for 6-9 months or longer. This test is essential for distinguishing chronic hepatitis A from other liver conditions and monitoring whether the prolonged infection has finally resolved. Your healthcare provider may also order liver function tests to assess ongoing liver inflammation.

Question 4

When should I get tested for chronic hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you were previously diagnosed with hepatitis A but your symptoms have lasted longer than 3 months, if you experience recurring episodes of fatigue and jaundice after initial improvement, or if your liver enzymes remain elevated for an extended period. Testing is also important if you continue to have abdominal pain, dark urine, or persistent nausea months after your initial hepatitis A diagnosis. Early detection helps your healthcare provider monitor the unusual prolonged course and ensure proper management.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic hepatitis A infection causes prolonged or relapsing symptoms including persistent fatigue, recurring jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), ongoing abdominal pain especially in the upper right area, and continued loss of appetite. You might also experience dark-colored urine, pale stools, low-grade fever that comes and goes, and general weakness that lasts for months. Unlike acute hepatitis A that improves steadily, chronic cases show a fluctuating pattern where symptoms may improve temporarily before returning.

Question 6

Who is at risk for chronic hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who contracts hepatitis A can potentially develop the chronic form, though it remains rare. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, weakened immune systems, or older adults may face higher risk of prolonged illness. People who experienced severe initial hepatitis A symptoms or those with concurrent health conditions affecting immune function are more likely to have an extended course. The chronic form occurs unpredictably and does not follow the typical pattern of hepatitis A transmission through contaminated food, water, or close contact with infected individuals.

Question 7

What happens if chronic hepatitis A infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated chronic hepatitis A infection can lead to prolonged liver inflammation lasting 6-9 months, causing extended periods of fatigue, jaundice, and reduced quality of life. The persistent inflammation can result in more severe liver enzyme elevations and prolonged inability to work or perform daily activities. Unlike hepatitis B or C, hepatitis A does not cause permanent liver damage or cirrhosis, and even chronic cases eventually resolve completely without causing long-term liver disease. However, monitoring through blood tests remains essential to track resolution and rule out other causes of prolonged liver inflammation.

Question 8

Can chronic hepatitis A infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, chronic hepatitis A infection is diagnosed primarily through blood tests. The Hepatitis A IgM Antibody test detects antibodies that persist beyond the typical acute infection timeframe, indicating the chronic form. Blood tests also measure liver enzymes (ALT and AST) to assess ongoing liver inflammation and monitor the extent of liver involvement. Serial testing over several months helps healthcare providers track whether the infection is resolving or continuing its prolonged course, making blood work essential for both diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.

Question 9

How is chronic hepatitis A infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Chronic hepatitis A infection is treated with supportive care focused on managing symptoms and allowing the immune system to eventually clear the virus. Treatment includes adequate rest, proper nutrition with a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and medications that stress the liver, and staying well-hydrated. Your healthcare provider will monitor your liver function through regular blood tests every few weeks to track improvement. Unlike hepatitis B and C, there are no antiviral medications specifically for hepatitis A, as the infection ultimately resolves on its own even in chronic cases, typically within 6-9 months.

Question 10

How can I prevent chronic hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent hepatitis A infection entirely through vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine, which is highly effective and recommended for all children and high-risk adults. Practice good hygiene including thorough handwashing after using the bathroom and before preparing food, avoid consuming food or water in areas with poor sanitation, and be cautious about raw shellfish which can harbor the virus. If you have been exposed to hepatitis A, receiving immunoglobulin or the vaccine within two weeks can prevent infection. Once you have hepatitis A, there is no way to prevent the chronic form, but it remains rare and unpredictable.

Question 11

What can I do at home for chronic hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

At home, prioritize getting plenty of rest as fatigue is a major symptom, and listen to your body by avoiding strenuous activities during flare-ups. Eat small, frequent meals that are easy to digest, focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while avoiding fatty or fried foods that stress the liver. Stay well-hydrated with water and clear fluids, completely avoid alcohol and check with your doctor before taking any medications or supplements. Manage nausea with ginger tea or bland foods like crackers and toast, and create a support system since the prolonged illness can be emotionally challenging.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Chronic Hepatitis A Blood Test

What is Chronic Hepatitis A Infection?

What causes chronic hepatitis A infection?

What is the best test for chronic hepatitis A infection?

When should I get tested for chronic hepatitis A infection?

References

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