Hepatitis E Virus IgM Antibody (HEV IgM)
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About Hepatitis E Virus IgM Antibody (HEV IgM)
Hepatitis E is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis E virus. It is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and water. When an individual is infected with the hepatitis E virus, the body produces antibodies that help fight against the infection. The IgM antibody is one of these antibodies.
The hepatitis E virus IgM antibody test detects the IgM antibodies in the blood of an individual. It is done to screen for and confirm the presence of hepatitis E. It is also done to determine how effectively a patient's treatment is working. The HEV IgM test results help in the identification of acute or recent (within 6 months) hepatitis E infections.
Symptoms of hepatitis E infection:
Symptoms of hepatitis E infection are similar to those of other types of viral hepatitis. They include :
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Yellowing of skin and eyes
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Loss of appetite
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Abdominal pain
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Dark urine
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Diarrhoea
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Light coloured stools
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Joint pain
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Fatigue
Who should get tested?
The hepatitis E virus IgM antibody test is indicated for individuals who are/have
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Traveling either to or from a hepatitis E-endemic area
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Tested negative for other viral hepatitis types and with positive liver disease
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Symptoms associated with hepatitis E infection
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Been treated for hepatitis E infection
Test preparation
No special preparations are required to take the hepatitis E virus IgM antibody test. Please talk to your healthcare provider if you are on any medications before taking the test.
Interpretation of results
The test results for the hepatitis E IgM antibody test are either positive or negative.
Positive test results:
The positive test result means there were antibodies detected in the individual’s blood, which may be an indication of an acute or resolved (< 6 months) hepatitis E infection.
Negative test results:
The negative test result may mean that there were no antibodies detected in the individual’s blood, and he/she is most likely to have had no previous exposure to or any past infections with the hepatitis E virus
FAQs on Hepatitis E Virus IgM Antibody (HEV IgM)
The test results of the hepatitis E virus IgM antibody test are generally available within 2–3 working days after the sample collection. However, it can also take a little longer at times.
No, there are no potential risks associated with the hepatitis E virus IgM antibody test. It is a simple blood test and may involve negligible risk, such as feeling a slight sting or a bruise at the site of sample collection. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a few hours. Rarely, the site can become infected.
The test procedure for hepatitis E virus IgM antibody includes your healthcare provider drawing a few millilitres of blood from you by inserting a tiny needle into a vein in your arm. The sample collection process normally takes less than five minutes.
No, you do not need to fast or make any additional preparations before taking the hepatitis E virus IgM antibody test. It is a simple blood test that can be done at any time of the day. However, it is advised to talk to your healthcare provider if you are on any medications before taking the test, as certain medications may interfere with the test results.
Certain medications, such as cancer medications, high-dose steroids, immunosuppressive agents, etc., may interfere with the test results of the hepatitis E virus IgM antibody test.
Hepatitis E Virus IgM Antibody (HEV IgM)
