Home
HelpTest ID: HEVG Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody, Serum
Reporting Name
HEV IgG Ab, SUseful For
Diagnosis of past exposure to hepatitis E virus
Clinical Information
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes an acute, usually self-limited, infection. This small, nonenveloped RNA virus is transferred from an animal reservoir (eg, hogs) to humans via the fecal-oral route. HEV is endemic in Southeast and Central Asia, with several outbreaks observed in the Middle East, northern and western parts of Africa, and Mexico. In developed countries, HEV infection occurs mainly in persons who have traveled to disease-endemic areas. Transmission of HEV may also occur parenterally, and direct person-to-person transmission is rare. Clinically severe cases occur in young to middle-aged adults. Unusually high mortality (approximately 20%) occurs in patients infected during the third trimester of pregnancy. Although there is no carrier state associated with HEV, immunocompromised patients may have prolonged periods (eg, months) of viremia and virus shedding in the feces.
In immunocompetent patients, viremia and virus shedding in the feces occur in the pre-icteric phase, lasting up to 10 days into the clinical phase. After an incubation period ranging from 15 to 60 days, HEV-infected patients develop symptoms of hepatitis with appearance of anti-HEV IgM antibody in serum, followed by detectable anti-HEV IgG within a few days. Anti-HEV IgM may remain detectable up to 6 months after onset of symptoms, while anti-HEV IgG usually persists for many years after infection. Anti-HEV IgG is the serologic test of choice to determine past exposure to HEV.
Interpretation
Positive results indicate past or resolved hepatitis E infection.
Negative results indicate absence of previous exposure to hepatitis E virus (HEV).
Borderline results may be seen in acute or recent hepatitis E infection with rising level of anti-HEV IgG or cross-reactivity with nonspecific antibodies (ie, false-positive results). Repeat testing of serum for anti-HEV IgG in 4 to 6 weeks is recommended to determine the definitive HEV infection status.
Report Available
1 to 7 daysDay(s) Performed
Wednesday, Friday
Clinical Reference
1. Aggarwal R, Jameel S: Hepatitis E. Hepatology. 2011 Dec;54(6):2218-2226
2. Hoofnagle JH, Nelson KE, Purcell RH: Hepatitis E. New Engl J Med. 2012 Sep;367(13):1237-1244
3. Aggarwal R: Diagnosis of hepatitis E. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Jan;10(1):24-33
Method Name
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Specimen Type
Serum SSTNecessary Information
Date of collection is required.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per collection tube manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).
2. Aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | ||
| Refrigerated | 24 hours | ||
Reference Values
Negative
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
86790
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HEVG | HEV IgG Ab, S | 49693-5 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 86211 | HEV IgG Ab, S | 49693-5 |
Testing Algorithm
For information see Hepatitis E: Testing Algorithm for Diagnosis and Management.
Special Instructions
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following:
-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)
-Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916)
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)
mml-hepatitis