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HelpTest Code HEVG Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody, Serum
Reporting Name
HEV IgG Ab, SUseful For
Diagnosis of past exposure to hepatitis E virus
Testing Algorithm
For information see Hepatitis E: Testing Algorithm for Diagnosis and Management.
Method Name
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Serum SSTNecessary Information
Date of collection is required.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per collection tube manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).
2. Aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
See Specimen Required
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | ||
| Refrigerated | 24 hours | ||
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Negative
Day(s) Performed
Wednesday, Friday
CPT Code Information
86790
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| HEVG | HEV IgG Ab, S | 49693-5 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 86211 | HEV IgG Ab, S | 49693-5 |
Clinical Information
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes an acute, usually self-limited, infection. This small, nonenveloped RNA virus is transferred from an animal reservoir (eg, hogs) to humans via the fecal-oral route. HEV is endemic in Southeast and Central Asia, with several outbreaks observed in the Middle East, northern and western parts of Africa, and Mexico. In developed countries, HEV infection occurs mainly in persons who have traveled to disease-endemic areas. Transmission of HEV may also occur parenterally, and direct person-to-person transmission is rare. Clinically severe cases occur in young to middle-aged adults. Unusually high mortality (approximately 20%) occurs in patients infected during the third trimester of pregnancy. Although there is no carrier state associated with HEV, immunocompromised patients may have prolonged periods (eg, months) of viremia and virus shedding in the feces.
In immunocompetent patients, viremia and virus shedding in the feces occur in the pre-icteric phase, lasting up to 10 days into the clinical phase. After an incubation period ranging from 15 to 60 days, HEV-infected patients develop symptoms of hepatitis with appearance of anti-HEV IgM antibody in serum, followed by detectable anti-HEV IgG within a few days. Anti-HEV IgM may remain detectable up to 6 months after onset of symptoms, while anti-HEV IgG usually persists for many years after infection. Anti-HEV IgG is the serologic test of choice to determine past exposure to HEV.
Interpretation
Positive results indicate past or resolved hepatitis E infection.
Negative results indicate absence of previous exposure to hepatitis E virus (HEV).
Borderline results may be seen in acute or recent hepatitis E infection with rising level of anti-HEV IgG or cross-reactivity with nonspecific antibodies (ie, false-positive results). Repeat testing of serum for anti-HEV IgG in 4 to 6 weeks is recommended to determine the definitive HEV infection status.
Cautions
A negative test result does not exclude the presence of recent hepatitis E infection (<2-month duration), especially in immunocompromised patients. Repeat testing for anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) IgM and anti-HEV IgG in 1 to 2 months is necessary for diagnosis of recent hepatitis E.
Performance characteristics of this assay have not been established for serum specimens that are heat inactivated, icteric, lipemic, hemolyzed, or contain particulate matter.
Method Description
This is a qualitative, in vitro test for the detection and identification of IgG antibodies specifically against to hepatitis E virus (HEV) in human serum. This assay is a screening test based on the principle of an indirect sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Highly purified recombinant HEV-ORF2 viral antigens (specific for HEV genotypes 1 and 3) are fixed to microplate wells. Diluted patient serum specimens are incubated in the wells, in which antibodies bind specifically to the HEV recombinant antigens coating the surface of the wells. Unbound antibodies are then washed away. Anti-human immunoglobulin antibodies (IgG), which are coupled to horseradish peroxidase, are then added to the wells and incubated. Unbound conjugate antibodies are then washed away. Specifically, bound antibodies are detected by a peroxidase-catalyzed color reaction. Intensity of the color, as measured with a photometric analyzer, is proportionate to the quantity of bound HEV IgG antibodies present in the serum specimen.(Unpublished Mayo method)