Hepatitis A Antigen
Also known as Hepatitis A Antigen Pcr BloodWhat is this test?
This test helps to find the Hepatitis A Antigens in the blood.
What is Hepatitis and Hepatitis A Antigens:
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and can lead to scarring, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis can be caused due to auto-immune diseases, alcohol or toxic substances. Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters into the body. These foreign substances are known as antigens.
Hepatitis A Antigen is a protein from the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV). It is circulated in the infected blood when the virus multiplies. Usually, Hepatitis A Antigens can be found in the blood after 2 weeks of infection. Therefore the presence of hepatitis A antigens in the blood means that HAV is multiplying in your liver. HAV Antigens in the blood indicates that you are infected with Hepatitis A infection and can spread the virus.
Why This Test Is Performed:
This test is performed to check the presence of Hepatitis A Antigens in the blood. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms such as abdominal pain, joint pains, muscle pains, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, yellow skin and eyes, itching, dark urine etc.
If an individual is on the treatment for Hepatitis A virus HAV then the doctor may ask to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment and Hepatitis A Antigen levels in the blood. Mostly, this test is done along with other hepatitis tests to confirm the diagnosis.
How Often This Test Should Be Performed:
If you have been diagnosed with HAV, your doctor may advise you to get this test done once in a year based on your clinical condition. If you are a healthy individual above the age of 35, your doctor may advise you to undergo this test either on a yearly basis or every other year.
Precautions:
The results may alter in individuals receiving monoclonal antibodies or heparin therapy. Inform your healthcare provider regarding the use of all medications prior to the test.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Hepatitis A Antigen. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Hepatitis A Antigen.
There are no specific preparations required for this test.
Understanding your test results
The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.
If the test results are negative it may indicate that there is no Hepatitis A Antigen in the blood and no infection of Hepatitis A Virus HAV.
In case the test results are positive it may indicate that there is Hepatitis A Antigen in the blood and an infection of Hepatitis A Virus HAV.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The antigen is present in cases of infection |