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 IgG antibodies that develop later in the course of the disease. IgG antibodies are detectable in the body for life, providing protection against a future hepatitis A virus infection. The IgG anti-HAV test is used to detect past HAV infections and may occasionally be used to determine if an individual has developed immunity from a previous infection or vaccination.