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Hepatitis A, IgM

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure: MBD0201A
CPT: 86709

Synonym(s): HAV IgM, HAVAb IgM, Type A Hepatitis, Infectious Hepatitis, Epidemic Hepatitis, Epidemic Jaundice, and Catarrhal Jaundice
Requisition Form G-2A
Test Description Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) for the qualitative detection of IgM Antibodies to hepatitis A virus in human serum 
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing Serum
Minimum Volume/Size Required 500 µL
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping
  • Store serum at 2°C to 8°C for up to 48 hours.
  • For storage longer than 48 hours, store at -20°C or below until tested. 
Transport Medium N/A
Specimen Labeling
  • Two patient-specific identifiers required on specimen (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, medical record number)
  • Three patient identifiers are preferred.
  • Patient identifiers on specimen label must exactly match identifiers on submission form (e.g., abbreviated name on label and full name on form is not acceptable). 
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen labeling guidelines available online here. 
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
  • Category B Biological Substance, UN3373 shipping requirements apply.  
  • Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions.  
  • Triple-contain in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents.  
  • Submitters are responsible for packaging and shipping specimens according to regulatory requirements.  
  • If specimens will arrive at the lab within 48 hours of collection, refrigerate at 2°C–8°C and ship overnight on cold packs.
  • If specimens will arrive at the lab more than 48 hours after time of collection, freeze at -20°C or colder, and ship overnight on dry ice.
  • Additional DSHS Laboratory specimen shipping guidelines online here.  
Method EIA for the detection of antibodies
Turn-around Time 4 working days
Interferences/Limitations Gross hemolysis, lipemia, bacterial contamination, and heterophilic antibodies may cause interference in the assay.
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Insufficient specimen quantity.
  • Unacceptable specimen type or source.
  • Improper shipping conditions.
  • Expired media or collection container.
  • Expired reagents/media/collection container. 
  • Discrepancies between G-2A submission form and specimen label. 
  • Missing/incomplete/illegible submission form or label.
Additional Information  A non-reactive result does not exclude the possibility of infection with hepatitis A virus.