Hepatitis A & E (IgM)
Also known as: Anti-HAV IgM, Anti-HEV IgM, Jaundice test, hepatitis A test, hepatitis E test, peeliya test
IgM antibody tests for hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV IgM) and hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV IgM). A positive IgM shows a recent infection.
Why it's ordered
Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin), dark urine, fever, nausea or loss of appetite, especially after drinking unsafe water or during an outbreak.
Preparation
No preparation needed.
Typical adult values
| Normal | Negative (non-reactive) for both |
|---|
Ranges vary between labs and methods. Always use the range printed on your report.
If it's positive / reactive
A positive IgM means recent hepatitis A or E. Both spread through contaminated water and food. Most people recover fully in a few weeks with rest and fluids. Seek urgent care for confusion, drowsiness, bleeding, or repeated vomiting, as these can be signs of liver failure. Hepatitis E can be severe in pregnancy, so pregnant women with jaundice need prompt care.
Good to know
Hepatitis A and E do not become long-term (chronic) in healthy people, unlike hepatitis B and C. Safe drinking water, hand washing and the hepatitis A vaccine help prevent them. Avoid unprescribed herbal or 'jaundice' remedies, which can harm the liver.
Common questions
What does a positive hepatitis E IgM mean?
It means a recent hepatitis E infection. Most people recover fully in a few weeks with rest and fluids.
Is hepatitis E dangerous in pregnancy?
It can be severe in pregnancy, so pregnant women with jaundice need prompt care.
Do hepatitis A and E become chronic?
Not in healthy people, unlike hepatitis B and C.
How do hepatitis A and E spread?
Through contaminated water and food. Safe drinking water, hand washing and the hepatitis A vaccine help prevent them.