Hepatitis virus serology
Alternative names:
anti HCV test; anti-delta agent antibody; Australian antigen; HAA; HBsAg; hepatitis A & B panel; hepatitis A virus (HAV); hepatitis B surface antigen; hepatitis B virus (HBV); hepatitis C virus (HCV); hepatitis D - test; hepatitis-associated antigen; serial anti-HCV
Normal values:
No presence of antibodies (a negative test) is normal.
What abnormal results mean:
Serology tests have been developed to detect the presence of each of the hepatitis viruses in serum, but the virus may be present in the liver without being detectable in serum.
There are also tests designed to measure the presence of antibodies to HAV and HBV in serum, which then is taken as evidence of infection by these viruses. (Note: antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are grouped according to type. Common groups include IgM, IgA, IgG, IgE. See immunoelectrophoresis - serum). IgM antibodies appear 3 to 4 weeks, after exposure and usually return to normal in about 8 weeks. IgG antibodies appear about 2 weeks after the IgM antibodies start to increase; such antibodies may persist for as long as 10 years. If the IgM antibody is elevated in the absence of IgG antibody, acute hepatitis is suspected. If IgG antibody is increased, but not IgM antibody, a convalescent or chronic state is likely.
Positive tests may indicate: Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
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