Anti-HAV

Planning travel, considering hepatitis A vaccination or exposed to an infected person? Anti-HAV testing shows whether your blood contains hepatitis A antibodies, meaning protection after past illness or vaccination. The result helps decide whether you need vaccination.

Who the test is for

• travellers to countries where hepatitis A is common, before deciding on vaccination;
• people with chronic liver disease, in whom hepatitis A may be more severe;
• older people and those raised in areas where hepatitis A was common, because they may already have had it;
• people with close exposure to an infected person, for example in the family;
• people working in childcare facilities or with wastewater, as assessed by a doctor;
• for jaundice or raised liver enzymes, alongside anti-HAV IgM testing.

What the test reveals

Hepatitis A is infectious liver inflammation. The virus is shed in stool and transmitted by contaminated food and water and close contact. It does not become chronic and most people recover completely, but can be severe in adults and people with liver disease.

The test measures total antibodies, IgM and IgG together. IgM appear early in infection and disappear after several months, while IgG remain for life after illness and protect against reinfection. A positive result without symptoms therefore most often means protection. When recent infection is suspected, a doctor requests a separate anti-HAV IgM.

The procedure and preparation

Blood is taken from a vein and collection takes a few minutes. Fasting and special preparation are unnecessary. Tell your doctor if vaccinated against hepatitis A because vaccination also produces antibodies.

What your result means

The result is negative or positive (reactive). A doctor interprets it alongside symptoms, vaccination history and liver enzymes.

• Negative: no antibodies are present, so you are probably unprotected unless vaccinated. If travelling or at increased risk, a doctor may recommend vaccination. Results may also be negative very early after infection.
• Positive, without symptoms: most often you have had hepatitis A or been vaccinated and are protected. Vaccination is then unnecessary.
• Positive, with jaundice or other symptoms: recent infection is possible. A doctor then measures anti-HAV IgM and liver enzymes, for example in the Liver health panel.

How to arrange testing

You can have blood taken without an appointment or referral at one of our branches across Croatia (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list.

Frequently asked questions

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

Anti-HAV measures all antibodies and shows previous viral exposure or vaccination. Anti-HAV IgM measures only early-phase antibodies and establishes recent infection. Read more about markers of all hepatitis types in the article Hepatitis A, B and C markers.

Should I check antibodies before vaccination?

Not necessarily. Checking is useful for people who may already have had hepatitis A because they then do not need vaccination. Protection after vaccination is not routinely checked: antibody levels are lower than after illness, and some tests do not detect them despite protection.

What if I was exposed to an infected person?

Contact a doctor promptly. If unprotected, vaccination within two weeks of contact may prevent illness. Symptoms usually develop about four weeks after infection, ranging from 15 to 50 days.

What are hepatitis A symptoms?

Initially fatigue, fever, nausea and loss of appetite, then dark urine, pale stools and yellow skin and eye whites. Young children often have no symptoms. If confusion, sleepiness, bleeding or severe vomiting accompany jaundice, call 194 or 112 immediately.