What should you know about test for hepatitis a virus?

A clinician may ask about travel, food or water exposure, close contacts, vaccination, and when symptoms began. Blood testing can look for an immune response associated with recent hepatitis A infection. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) checks how the liver is responding, but abnormal liver results can have causes other than hepatitis A.

Hepatitis A can cause feeling generally unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, abdominal discomfort, fever, or dark urine. Some people have few symptoms, especially early in the illness. Symptoms alone do not confirm the virus, and a test result needs to be interpreted with the timing of exposure and illness.

Arrange medical assessment if you develop symptoms after a possible exposure or have been told you were in contact with someone infected. Share the date symptoms started, recent travel, food or water concerns, household contacts, medicines, and whether you have received [Hepatitis A Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-a-vaccination/). Avoid preparing food for others until a clinician has explained the precautions that apply to you.

Rest, take fluids as tolerated, and do not add supplements or medicines without checking that they are suitable for your liver. Follow-up may be needed even if you begin to feel better. Background information is available under [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/).

Seek urgent medical advice for confusion, unusual sleepiness, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, inability to drink, or yellowing of the skin or eyes with worsening illness. Dark urine with pale stools or jaundice should be assessed, especially after a possible exposure. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you are becoming dehydrated or markedly unwell.

Ask which blood tests are needed, when results will be available, whether household or close contacts need advice, how to protect others, and whether vaccination is useful after an exposure. Ask which medicines, supplements, alcohol, or activities should be avoided while the liver is recovering.