Understanding the Hepatitis A Profile blood test

The Hepatitis A Profile is a combined blood test that measures two key Hepatitis A markers to determine whether a person has a current infection, recent exposure, past infection, or protective immunity.

This profile includes:

• Hepatitis A antibodies total
• Hepatitis A IgM antibodies

Testing both markers together allows accurate interpretation of Hepatitis A status. While total antibodies indicate overall exposure or immunity, IgM antibodies specifically identify recent or acute infection.

Hepatitis A is an acute viral liver infection, most commonly spread through contaminated food or water. Unlike other hepatitis viruses, Hepatitis A does not cause chronic infection, but early detection remains important for public health, infection control, and clinical reassurance.

When a Hepatitis A Profile blood test is recommended

This test is recommended when there is a need to clarify Hepatitis A infection status, particularly in cases of acute hepatitis symptoms, abnormal liver function tests, or uncertainty around immunity.

Because Hepatitis A symptoms can range from mild to severe—and may be absent in some individuals—blood testing is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Testing may be appropriate if you:

• Have symptoms of acute hepatitis
• Have unexplained abnormal liver function tests
• Have been exposed to someone with Hepatitis A
• Have recently travelled to higher-risk regions
• Work in food handling, healthcare, or childcare
• Want to confirm immunity after past infection or vaccination
• Require screening for public health or occupational reasons

Benefits of the Hepatitis A Profile test

• Identifies acute Hepatitis A infection
  IgM antibodies confirm recent or current infection.
• Confirms past exposure or immunity
  Total antibodies show previous infection or vaccination.
• Provides clear infection timing insight
  Differentiates recent from past exposure.
• Supports investigation of abnormal liver results
  Useful in unexplained hepatitis presentations.
• Essential for public health control
  Helps identify infectious cases early.
• No risk of chronic infection confusion
  Hepatitis A does not become chronic.
• Simple blood test with no preparation required
  No fasting or lifestyle changes needed.
• Offers reassurance and diagnostic clarity
  Reduces uncertainty for patients and clinicians.

How the test is carried out

We offer two convenient UK-wide testing options:

Clinic-based blood testing

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• A healthcare professional collects a blood sample
• The sample is analysed in a certified laboratory
• Results are issued once testing is complete

Home or hotel blood collection (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home, workplace, or hotel
• Blood is collected at a time convenient for you
• No clinic visit required
• Available nationwide across the UK

Both options provide the same laboratory accuracy and clinical reliability.

Understanding your Hepatitis A Profile results

Hepatitis A antibodies total

This marker indicates overall exposure or immunity to Hepatitis A virus.

• Negative: No evidence of past infection or immunity
• Positive: Past infection or vaccination-induced immunity

Hepatitis A IgM antibodies

This marker indicates recent or acute infection.

• Negative: No current or recent infection
• Positive: Acute or recent Hepatitis A infection

Common result patterns explained

• Total antibodies positive + IgM negative
  Past infection or immunity (not infectious)
• Total antibodies positive + IgM positive
  Acute or recent Hepatitis A infection
• Both markers negative
  No immunity and no current infection (susceptible)