Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food or water and close contact.
Why it's done
- Yellow skin, nausea, belly pain, or dark urine
- After exposure
- Checking immunity
Getting ready and what happens
- No preparation is needed.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
IgM positive
Recent infection. Most people recover fully with rest; household contacts may need a vaccine.
Total antibody positive, IgM negative
Past infection or vaccination; you're protected.
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.