Question 1

What is Past Hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

Past Hepatitis A infection refers to a previous exposure to the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) that has completely resolved, leaving lasting immunity. The infection is caused by exposure to Hepatitis A virus through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person. The Hepatitis A Antibody, Total test is the most important test for confirming past infection and immunity status.

Question 2

What causes past Hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

Past Hepatitis A infection is caused by previous exposure to the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is typically transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through close personal contact with an infected individual. The virus enters the body through the digestive tract, replicates in the liver, and triggers an immune response that eventually clears the infection. Once your body fights off the virus, it produces lasting antibodies that remain in your bloodstream, providing lifelong immunity against future Hepatitis A infections.

Question 3

What is the best test for past Hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis A Antibody, Total test is the most important test for detecting past Hepatitis A infection because it measures all antibodies your immune system created in response to the virus. This test can confirm whether you have been previously exposed to Hepatitis A and have developed immunity. The presence of these total antibodies, even years after the initial infection, provides definitive proof of past exposure and indicates that you have lifelong protection against the virus. This single blood test is all that is needed to determine your immunity status and can help you make informed decisions about vaccination needs or travel health planning.

Question 4

When should I get tested for past Hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you need to confirm your immunity status before traveling to areas where Hepatitis A is common, if your employer requires proof of immunity for healthcare or food service jobs, or if you are unsure whether you have been vaccinated or previously infected. Testing is also recommended if you experienced unexplained jaundice or liver problems in the past and want to determine if Hepatitis A was the cause. Additionally, if you are planning to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine but want to avoid unnecessary vaccination because you may already be immune, this test can provide that confirmation.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of past Hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

Past Hepatitis A infection has no current symptoms because the virus has been completely cleared from your body. However, when you were initially infected, you may have experienced symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Many people, especially children, experience mild or no symptoms during the acute infection, which is why they may not even realize they had Hepatitis A until antibody testing reveals past exposure. The infection typically resolves within a few weeks to months without causing chronic liver disease.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Hepatitis A infection?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for Hepatitis A infection include travelers to countries with high rates of Hepatitis A, individuals who consume contaminated food or water, people living with or having close contact with someone infected with Hepatitis A, and men who have sex with men. Healthcare workers, food handlers, and people who use drugs (both injection and non-injection) also face increased risk. Children in daycare settings and people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing are at elevated risk due to potential sanitation challenges. However, anyone without immunity can contract Hepatitis A if exposed to the virus.

Question 7

What happens if Hepatitis A infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Unlike chronic liver infections, Hepatitis A is an acute infection that always resolves on its own without becoming chronic, whether treated or not. However, without supportive care during the acute phase, severe symptoms like dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea can lead to complications requiring hospitalization. In rare cases (less than 1% of infections), Hepatitis A can cause acute liver failure, which is more common in older adults and people with pre-existing liver disease. The good news is that once you recover from Hepatitis A, whether you knew you had it or not, you develop lifelong immunity and cannot be infected again.

Question 8

Can past Hepatitis A infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, past Hepatitis A infection can only be diagnosed with a blood test, specifically the Hepatitis A Antibody, Total test. This blood test detects the antibodies your immune system produced in response to the virus, which remain in your bloodstream indefinitely after the infection clears. There is no physical exam or symptom-based method to confirm past infection since the virus is no longer active in your body. The blood test provides definitive proof of previous exposure and immunity, making it the gold standard for determining your Hepatitis A status for travel, employment, or personal health records.

Question 9

How is Hepatitis A treated?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Hepatitis A because the infection is self-limiting and the body clears the virus naturally. Treatment during the acute phase focuses on supportive care, including rest, adequate hydration, proper nutrition, and avoiding alcohol and medications that can stress the liver. Most people recover completely within a few weeks to months without any lasting liver damage. In rare severe cases requiring hospitalization, intravenous fluids and monitoring may be necessary. Once the infection resolves, no further treatment is needed, and the immunity you develop protects you for life.

Question 10

How can I prevent Hepatitis A?

Accepted Answer

The most effective way to prevent Hepatitis A is through vaccination, which provides long-lasting protection after a two-dose series. Practicing good hygiene, including thorough handwashing after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food, significantly reduces transmission risk. When traveling to areas with high Hepatitis A rates, avoid drinking tap water, eating raw or undercooked shellfish, and consuming raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself. If you have been exposed to someone with Hepatitis A, receiving the vaccine or immune globulin within two weeks of exposure can prevent infection.

Question 11

What can I do at home if I had Hepatitis A in the past?

Accepted Answer

If you had Hepatitis A in the past and have recovered, no home remedies or ongoing care is needed because you have lifelong immunity and the virus is completely gone from your body. However, maintaining overall liver health through a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, and avoiding hepatotoxic medications supports your liver function. Getting tested to confirm your immunity status can provide peace of mind and help you avoid unnecessary vaccination. If you are planning international travel or need proof of immunity for work, keeping documentation of your positive antibody test results can be helpful for future reference.

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.

Past Hepatitis A Infection Blood Test

What is Past Hepatitis A infection?

What causes past Hepatitis A infection?

What is the best test for past Hepatitis A infection?

When should I get tested for past Hepatitis A infection?

References

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