Hepatitis A IgM – RRPL/Saskatoon
Discipline
Microbiology
Overview
Description
- Hepatitis A IgM testing is indicated for patients suspected to have acute hepatitis A infection. Hepatitis A IgM appears 5-10 days prior to symptoms and becomes undetectable within 6 month .
Ordering recommendations
- NOTE: Hepatitis IgM should only be requested on symptomatic patients. Please indicate if the patient has received HBV vaccination in the last 4 weeks.
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Serum
Specimen collection container
- Serum separator tubes (SST; gold top)
Collection procedure
- Collect blood in serum separator tube (gold top). Serum must be separated from whole blood by centrifugation within 24h of collection.
Required volume
- 1 SST (gold top) tube, 5mL
Transport and stability
- Serum must be separated from whole blood within 24h of collection.
- Serum should be stored at 4 – 8°C until shipment.
Testing Information
Relevant clinical history
- All serological results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms and, where applicable, vaccination history.
Performance
Methodology
- Qualitative immunoassay via Roche Elecsys (Saskatoon) or Abbott Alinity (Regina), (Reactive or Non-Reactive)
Days/times performed
Availability
- Specimens are tested in Saskatoon or Regina
Maximum laboratory time
Result reporting
- Turnaround time of 3 days from receipt at testing lab.
Specimen retention time
- Serum is retained for 3 days after completion of testing
Other information
- Positive results are reported to a Medical Health Officer.
Last Updated: June 4, 2024