What causes Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. The virus spreads when you consume contaminated food or water, or have close contact with an infected person. Common sources include raw or undercooked shellfish from contaminated waters, food handled by infected individuals who don't practice proper hand hygiene, and poor sanitation conditions in areas with inadequate sewage systems.

What is the best test for Hepatitis A?

The Hepatitis A IgM Antibody test is the most important test for diagnosing Hepatitis A because it specifically detects IgM antibodies that your immune system produces during an active infection. These antibodies appear in your blood as early as 2 weeks after exposure and remain elevated throughout the acute phase of illness. A positive IgM result confirms you have a current or recent Hepatitis A infection, allowing your healthcare provider to recommend appropriate treatment and take necessary precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others.

When should I get tested for Hepatitis A?

You should get tested if you develop symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, severe fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, especially if you've eaten at restaurants with food safety violations, traveled to areas with poor sanitation, or been in close contact with someone diagnosed with Hepatitis A. Testing is especially important within 2 weeks of potential exposure, as early detection helps prevent transmission and allows for timely medical intervention.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A symptoms typically appear 2-6 weeks after infection and include fatigue, sudden nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain especially near the liver, dark urine, pale-colored stools, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Some people, particularly young children, may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, while adults often experience more severe illness. Symptoms usually last less than 2 months, though some people can feel sick for up to 6 months.

Who is at risk for Hepatitis A?

People at higher risk include international travelers to regions with poor sanitation, individuals who use injection or non-injection drugs, men who have sex with men, people experiencing homelessness, those with close personal contact with infected individuals, and food service workers. Children in daycare centers and their caregivers also face increased risk due to close contact and diaper changing. Anyone living with or caring for someone with Hepatitis A should get tested and consider vaccination.

What happens if Hepatitis A is left untreated?

While Hepatitis A typically resolves on its own without causing permanent liver damage, untreated infection can lead to prolonged illness lasting several months with severe fatigue affecting daily activities. In rare cases, particularly in older adults and people with chronic liver disease, Hepatitis A can cause acute liver failure requiring hospitalization and potentially liver transplantation. During the infectious period, untreated individuals can unknowingly spread the virus to family members, coworkers, and others through contaminated food or close contact, creating public health risks.

Can Hepatitis A be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, Hepatitis A is definitively diagnosed with a blood test that detects specific antibodies your body produces in response to the virus. The Hepatitis A IgM Antibody test identifies acute or recent infection, while IgG antibody tests can show past infection or immunity from vaccination. Blood tests are the only reliable way to confirm Hepatitis A infection since symptoms overlap with many other conditions affecting the liver and digestive system.

How is Hepatitis A treated?

Hepatitis A has no specific antiviral treatment, so care focuses on supporting your body as it fights the infection. Treatment includes getting adequate rest, staying well-hydrated, eating small nutritious meals to combat nausea, and avoiding alcohol and medications that stress the liver. Most people recover completely within a few weeks to months without lasting liver damage. In severe cases requiring hospitalization, doctors monitor liver function closely and provide supportive care including intravenous fluids and medications to manage symptoms.

How can I prevent Hepatitis A?

The Hepatitis A vaccine is the most effective prevention method, providing long-lasting protection with a two-dose series given 6 months apart. Practice good hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. When traveling to high-risk areas, drink bottled water, avoid raw or undercooked foods, and eat only fruits you peel yourself. If exposed to Hepatitis A, getting the vaccine or immunoglobulin within 2 weeks can prevent infection.

What can I do at home for Hepatitis A?

At home, prioritize rest and allow your body time to heal by avoiding strenuous activities until symptoms improve. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and clear broths to support liver function. Eat small, frequent meals focusing on easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast if you experience nausea. Completely avoid alcohol and acetaminophen-containing medications that can further stress your liver. Practice strict hand hygiene and avoid preparing food for others to prevent transmission to family members.

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.

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When will my lab results be available?

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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?

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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.

Hepatitis A Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Hepatitis A Blood Test

What is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, leading to symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. It is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), which spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact with infected individuals. The Hepatitis A IgM Antibody test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects antibodies produced during active infection.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

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!

754-799-7833

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