Anti-HAV IgM

Anti-HAV IgM is a blood test that shows whether you have a recent hepatitis A virus infection. It is performed when jaundice, dark urine, nausea or fatigue develops, particularly after travel or contact with an infected person. A positive result confirms acute hepatitis A, which most often resolves on its own.

Who the test is intended for

• you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, nausea or pain below the right rib margin;
• you feel tired, weak and feverish, and your liver enzymes are elevated;
• symptoms began after travel to an area with poorer hygiene conditions;
• a household member, partner or nursery child has hepatitis A and you have symptoms;
• a doctor or epidemiologist requests the test because cases have occurred in a group setting.

If you want to check whether you are protected against hepatitis A, the appropriate test is anti-HAV (total antibodies).

What the test reveals

Anti-HAV IgM are antibodies the body produces at the beginning of hepatitis A virus infection. They are already present when symptoms begin, reach their highest level after several weeks and usually disappear within three to six months. A positive result therefore means a recent infection.

Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water and close contact with an infected person. The interval between infection and illness averages around four weeks. The disease does not become chronic, and protection is lifelong after recovery.

What the test involves and how to prepare

A blood sample is taken from a vein, and collection takes a few minutes. You do not need to fast, and no special preparation is required. If you have been vaccinated against hepatitis A or have been in contact with an infected person, tell your doctor, as this information helps with interpretation.

What your result means

The reference value is a negative result. The doctor interprets it alongside your symptoms and liver enzymes, for example from the liver healthpanel.

• Negative: a recent hepatitis A infection is unlikely, so the doctor looks for another cause of symptoms, such as hepatitis B or C, medicines or bile duct disease.
• Positive with symptoms: acute hepatitis A. Treatment is supportive: rest, sufficient fluids and avoiding alcohol and medicines that burden the liver, as advised by the doctor. Until recovery, wash your hands carefully and do not prepare food for others. By law, hepatitis A is reported to the epidemiological service, which also advises your close contacts about protection.
• Positive without symptoms: rarely, the result may be false-positive, which is why the test is recommended when signs of hepatitis are present. The doctor assesses it alongside other results.

If, along with yellowing of the skin, you notice drowsiness, confusion, bleeding or severe vomiting, go to an emergency department immediately or call 194 or 112.

How to arrange testing

You can have blood collected without an appointment or referral at one of our branches across Croatia (listed on the Contact page). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. When viral hepatitis is suspected, the doctor often also requests HBsAg, anti-HBc IgM and anti-HCV, which can be performed from the same blood collection.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between anti-HAV IgM and anti-HAV?

Anti-HAV IgM shows a recent infection. Anti-HAV (total antibodies) remains positive for life after recovery or vaccination and shows protection. Read more about all the markers in the article Hepatitis A, B and C markers.

How is hepatitis A transmitted?

Most often through contaminated food and water, such as raw shellfish or unwashed vegetables, and close contact, including sexual contact. The virus is excreted in stool, so handwashing is the most important protection.

Can I protect myself if I have been in contact with an infected person?

Contact a doctor or epidemiologist as soon as possible. Vaccination in the first two weeks after contact can prevent the disease. Vaccination is also recommended before travel to areas where hepatitis A is common.

Can hepatitis A become chronic?

No. Most people recover completely within a few weeks to a few months. Severe forms are rare and more common in older people and those with chronic liver disease.