Hepatitis A testing
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Sample type needed |
Blood |
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Incubation period |
28 days |
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Who is this test suitable for? |
Men and women |
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Results time |
3 days from receipt in the lab |
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Treatment |
Ordinarily, those infected will make a full recovery without the use of specific medication |
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Where can I get tested? |
All Better2Know centres |
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What is Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver. It is an acute infection, from which people usually recover reasonably swiftly. The infection can be transmitted sexually – particularly through unprotected anal sex – and can also be passed on through contaminated food and water, person-to-person contact, and the sharing of infected needles (usually for recreational drug use). In rare cases, as part of the acute phase, the infection can result in life-threatening liver damage.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis A?
Hepatitis A symptoms tend to develop around one month after initial exposure. Though some people will not experience any symptoms, others may feel rather unwell. When present, symptoms may include loss of appetite, fever, a flu-like illness, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. Jaundice can also occur if the liver becomes unable to remove bilirubin from the blood, something a fully functioning liver is normally able to achieve.
Did you know? …
In countries with poor sanitary conditions and undeveloped hygienic practices, around 90% of children will be infected with the Hepatitis A virus before the age of 10.
How can Hepatitis A be tested?
With Better2Know, you can be tested for Hepatitis A individually, or as part of our bespoke Hepatitis Screen. With this popular testing option, a single blood sample will detect infection with the Hepatitis A virus, as well as respective Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections. Our test will also tell you if you are immune to Hepatitis A either from through vaccination or having had the virus in the past. The results of your Hepatitis Screen will be ready within three working days of your sample’s arrival at our fully certified laboratory.
What treatments are available for Hepatitis A?
Other than rest, many people do not require specific medication for Hepatitis A, and can expect to make a full recovery within a few weeks or months. Once you have recovered from Hepatitis A, you should have immunity from the virus for the rest of your life. It remains important, however, that the infection is monitored, so as to ensure that a complete recovery has been achieved. To avoid passing the virus on, it is advisable to avoid alcohol and maintain high standards of personal hygiene.
What happens if I do not receive treatment?
Hepatitis A is highly contagious, so if a person carrying the infection is unaware of their positive status, they are more likely to pass the virus on to the people they come into close contact with. Whilst a Hepatitis A infection is unlikely to cause any chronic liver disease, an infection – particularly amongst older people – can prove highly debilitating and disruptive.
Symptoms can be severe, including jaundice in up to 70% of older individuals who are infected. Untreated, acute Hepatitis A infections also increase a person’s risk of contracting HIV, as well as other STIs, through unprotected sex.
To book your Hepatitis A test with Better2Know today, contact our experienced Patient Services team on the phone number above. You can also arrange your appointment online by selecting the Book Now button.