Hepatitis A Antibody Total Reactive Result Interpretation
A reactive (positive) total Hepatitis A antibody test indicates immunity to Hepatitis A virus, meaning you have either recovered from a past infection or have been successfully vaccinated against Hepatitis A. 1
What This Result Means
The presence of total anti-HAV antibodies indicates lifelong protection against Hepatitis A infection. 2 This test detects both IgM and IgG antibodies to the Hepatitis A virus capsid proteins, but it cannot distinguish between:
- Past natural infection that has resolved
- Immunity from Hepatitis A vaccination
- Current acute infection 2, 1
Clinical Significance
No further Hepatitis A vaccination is needed, as you already have immunity. 1 The antibodies produced in response to HAV infection or vaccination persist for life and confer protection against reinfection. 2
To Determine Timing of Infection
If it's important to know whether this represents a current versus past infection, testing for IgM anti-HAV is necessary. 1
- IgM anti-HAV positive = Acute or recent infection (typically within the past 6 months) 2, 1
- IgM anti-HAV negative = Past infection with natural immunity OR immunity from vaccination 1
IgM anti-HAV typically becomes detectable 5-10 days before symptom onset in acute infection and generally declines to undetectable levels within 6 months after infection. 2, 1
Important Clinical Context
The pattern of IgM negative with total antibody positive is typical of someone who either had Hepatitis A in the past and recovered, or received Hepatitis A vaccination and developed immunity. 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse Hepatitis A antibody testing with Hepatitis B antibody testing, which has completely different interpretation patterns. 1 These are separate viruses with distinct serologic markers.