Laboratory Medicine Program

Hepatitis E Virus Antibody - IgG & IgM

Clinical Decription:
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major global cause of acute and chronic hepatitis, particularly in endemic regions. It is primarily transmitted through contaminated water and zoonotic exposure through contact with infected animals or consumption of undercooked pork. Infection is often mild and self-limiting but may present with symptoms of acute hepatitis. Severe disease may occur in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients, with risk of premature birth and perinatal mortality, and progression to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver failure. Anti-HEV IgM indicates recent or current infection (detectable 1–4 weeks post-infection for up to 6–9 months), while anti-HEV IgG appears concurrently or shortly after and persists for years, indicating recent or past infection. Diagnosis of acute HEV infection can be diagnosed by the detection of anti-HEV antibodies (IgG, IgM or both) in serum and plasma, in combination with HEV RNA. Testing is recommended in symptomatic patients, those with unexplained liver enzyme elevations, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant patients. Management is usually supportive, with treatment reserved for severe or chronic cases.

Method: ECLIA; Roche Elecsys® Generation 2

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
0.00-0.15 U/mL

Specimen Type: Gold SST 7mL
Volume: n/a

Shipping: None

Special Instructions: n/a

Testing Schedule(s): Please call

Turnaround Time: 7 days

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227