This test is used to help diagnose a liver infection due to the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is one of several various causes of hepatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and enlargement of the liver. There are several causes of hepatitis and the accompanying symptoms, so this test may be used to determine if the symptoms are due to hepatitis A. This test detects antibodies in the blood that are produced by the immune system in response to a hepatitis A infection. While hepatitis A can cause a severe, acute disease that typically lasts 1 to 2 months, it does not cause a chronic infection, as do some of the other hepatitis viruses. Sample: – – – Reference: – – – Frequency: – – –