The Hepatitis A Panel is designed to assess exposure to the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and to distinguish between acute infection and prior immunity.
Measuring both IgM antibodies and total antibodies allows determination of whether the patient has an active infection, past exposure, or immunity following vaccination.
This panel is commonly used when viral hepatitis is suspected or to evaluate immune status before travel to regions where HAV is prevalent.

What does the panel include?

The panel includes:

• HAV Ab Total – total antibodies against Hepatitis A virus, indicating previous infection or vaccination
• HAV IgM – IgM antibodies, typically associated with acute or recent infection

Together, these markers provide a complete serologic assessment.

Who is this panel suitable for?

• Suspected acute hepatitis
• Symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, nausea, or abdominal discomfort
• Known exposure to an infected individual
• Pre-vaccination evaluation
• Pre-travel screening to endemic areas

The panel is also used when liver function tests are abnormal.

What is the advantage of a panel over a single test?

Testing only one antibody type does not allow accurate differentiation between active infection and existing immunity.
Combining HAV Ab Total and IgM provides a more reliable interpretation of infection status.

This approach allows clinicians to:

• Confirm acute infection
• Identify immunity due to past infection or vaccination
• Exclude active disease

How is the test performed?

• A venous blood sample is collected
• No fasting is required
• No special preparation is needed
• Patients should inform their physician about prior vaccination

How are the results interpreted?

• A positive IgM result typically indicates acute or recent infection.
• A positive Total antibody result with negative IgM generally suggests past infection or vaccination.
• Negative results for both markers indicate absence of immunity.

⚠️ Interpretation of results requires medical consultation.
Laboratory findings should not be interpreted without full clinical evaluation.

Possible complementary investigations

• Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
• Hepatitis B and C markers
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Liver ultrasound when indicated

Further medical evaluation

If acute infection is confirmed, follow-up includes monitoring liver enzymes and clinical status.

If immunity is absent, vaccination may be recommended according to medical guidance.

Consultation may be recommended with:

• Primary care physician
• Gastroenterologist
• Infectious disease specialist