Panel to Indicate Created Immunity against Hepatitis
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Hepatitis A:
- Hep A Ab Total (Test #006726): Detects total antibodies (IgM and IgG) against the hepatitis A virus, indicating previous exposure or immunity due to vaccination.
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Hepatitis B:
- Hep B Surface Ab (Test #006395): Detects antibodies against the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), indicating immunity to hepatitis B, either by resolved past infection or by vaccination.
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Hepatitis C:
- For hepatitis C, the presence of antibodies (anti-HCV, Test #140659) indicates prior exposure to the virus, but not necessarily immunity. Additional viral RNA testing is required to confirm the absence of active infection.
Additional Considerations
- Hep A Ab IgM and Hep B Core Ab IgM They are useful for identifying recent infections, but do not indicate immunity.
- The immunity against hepatitis C It is not established in the same way as with hepatitis A and B, since HCV infection can become chronic and does not always resolve completely, even after treatment.
To confirm immunity, especially after vaccination, specific antibody testing is recommended as indicated above. Interpretation of these results should be done by a healthcare professional, who can provide appropriate advice based on the individual's vaccination and exposure history.
