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Hepatitis A Antibody IgG (HAVG)

Antibody to HAV, IgG, Hepatitis A Specific IgG Antibody, Hepatitis A Antibody, IgG (HAV IgG)

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB7018, Beaker: HAVG

Department

Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One Gold-top SST tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 4.0 mL)
Also acceptable: One Lavender-top EDTA tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 3.0 mL) 

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

• Let SST specimens clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the centrifuged SST tube within two hours of collection. (Min: 2.0 mL)
• Centrifuge Lavender-top tube immediately to separate plasma from cells. Transfer plasma to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) within twelve hours of collection. (Min: 2.0 mL) 

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Centrifuged SST tube or plasma aliquot, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Min: 2.0 mL serum or plasma)

Rejection Criteria

• Hemolyzed specimens.
• Severely lipemic specimens.
• Red-top tubes with serum not separated from cells within two hours of collection.
• Lavender-top tubes with plasma not separated from cells within twelve hours of collection. 

In-Lab Processing

Let SST specimens clot 30-60 minutes. Centrifuge SST, Lavender-top tubes, or Microtainers^® to separate serum or plasma from cells. Deliver immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers^® with Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2-4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Red-top Tubes and Microtainers^® without Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F): 2-4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2-4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7 days

Plasma Specimens (Aliquots)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 12 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 7 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory

Royal Oak Automated Chemistry Laboratory 

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
Results available within 24 hours of receipt in the Laboratory.

Reference Range

Negative/Non-reactive.

Test Methodology

Chemiluminescence Immunoassay.

Interpretation

This assay tests for IgG antibodies. For diagnostic purposes, the anti-HAV IgG reactivity should be correlated with patient history and other hepatitis markers for diagnosis of past or present infection.

Clinical Utility

The presence of anti-HAV IgG in human serum or plasma is indicative of past infection or immunization with Hepatitis A virus. The test for Anti-HAV IgG is used to determine previous exposure to hepatitis A virus. The result of this assay may be used to assess immune status or for epidemiological studies.

Epidemiology

Hepatitis A has a worldwide distribution and man is the only known reservoir for the virus. Recurrent epidemics are a prominent feature of the disease. In the U.S., the disease appears to peak in the fall and winter months. HAV is endemic in many developing countries and childhood infection is common. In developing countries, up to 90% of adults have antibodies to the virus. In industrialized countries HAV antibodies are uncommon in young children (less than 5%) but they are present in 5 - 20% of those under 20 years of age and in 30 - 50% of older adults. (1)

Transmission

Transmission is predominantly by the fecal-oral route or through contaminated water or food. Fomites and person-to-person spread are principal means of transmission, especially in day care centers handling children under two years of age. Patients are infectious 2 - 3 weeks before the onset of symptoms and for approximately 8 days thereafter. (1)

Reference

1. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, ed Mandel, 7th ed, Chap 115, 116.

CPT Codes

86708

Contacts

Last Updated

10/27/2023