Test Details: The purpose of hepatitis A testing is to determine if a person has been infected by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, and infection can cause hepatitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and enlargement of the liver. Hepatitis A is typically a sudden, acute infection that lasts a few weeks to several months. In most cases, this virus does not cause chronic infection. Most often, transmission of hepatitis A occurs through consuming unwashed food or water that has been contaminated. To determine if viral hepatitis is caused by the hepatitis A virus, this test helps in detection of antibodies. This test specifically detects HAV IgM antibody. When a person is first infected with hepatitis A, the body produces IgM anti-HAV antibodies. These antibodies are usually detectable from two weeks after symptoms begin to around six months later.