Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Antibody (IgG)

Hepatitis E IgG, Hepatitis E Antibody, IgG

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1232072, Beaker: HEV igG Ab, Quest: 36583

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One Gold-top SST tube.

Also acceptable: One plain Red-top tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to plastic transport tube and maintain at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). (Minimum: 0.1 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to plastic transport tube and maintain at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F).

Transport: 0.5 mL serum, at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F). (Minimum: 0.1 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 30 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Tuesday, Friday.
Results available in 2-4 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Immunoassay (IA)

Interpretation

By report.

Clinical Utility

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Antibody (IgG) - This test is intended for the qualitative detection of antibodies against Hepatitis E virus (HEV). HEV causes acute viral hepatitis and liver injury worldwide, although it is not commonly acquired in the United States. Diagnosis of acute infection can be achieved through the detection of IgM, whereas IgG may represent remote or past exposure. This test does not detect antibodies against other hepatitis-causing viruses, including Hepatitis A, B, or C.

HEV is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, most commonly by consumption of contaminated water or undercooked meat. Signs and symptoms of HEV are similar to other causes of acute viral hepatitis and may include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and dark urine. The disease can be mild and self-limiting, and most individuals recover from illness. Immunocompromised individuals, those with underlying liver conditions, and pregnant women are at increased risk for severe disease, including fulminant hepatitis. Testing is recommended in patients with viral hepatitis symptoms who have traveled to an endemic or outbreak area and/or have tested negative for other etiologies (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, other hepatotropic viruses, and causes of acute liver injury).

Antibodies against HEV can typically be detected within 3-4 weeks after exposure. Anti-IgM declines during early convalescence and may be negative a few months post- exposure while anti-IgG can persist for years. Results should be correlated with patient risk factors and signs and symptoms consistent with Hepatitis E. False positive results can occur in low prevalence populations. False negative results can occur early during infection. If there is a high clinical suspicion for HEV, repeat testing can be performed in 2-4 weeks.

Reference

1. Q&As for Health Professionals, Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hev/hevfaq.htm Page last reviewed: September 15, 2020.
2. Hepatitis E, World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-e Last updated: 20 July 2023.
3. Aggarwal, R. et al. Diagnosis of hepatitis E. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Jan;10(1):24-33.
   
4. American Academy of Pediatrics, Red Book 2018-2021. Report of the Committee of Infectious Diseases, 31st Edition.

CPT Codes

86583

Contacts

Last Updated

12/17/2025