Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HEV IgG, Anti-HEV IgG, Hepatitis E IgG Antibody, Anti-Hepatitis E Virus IgG |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 2 to 4 working days |
| Recommended For | All genders, adults and children |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,500 |
What is a Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG) Test?
The Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody test is a blood test that checks whether your body has previously been exposed to the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It does this by detecting IgG antibodies, which are proteins your immune system produces in response to an infection. Also known as the HEV IgG test, Anti-HEV IgG, or Anti-Hepatitis E Virus IgG, this test uses a small sample of blood drawn from a vein in your arm.
What Does a Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG) Test Measure?
The HEV IgG test looks for one specific type of antibody in your blood. Here is what the result tells you:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| HEV IgG Antibody (Negative) | No previous exposure to hepatitis E virus |
| HEV IgG Antibody (Positive) | Past or resolved hepatitis E infection; possible immunity |
| HEV IgG Antibody (Borderline) | May reflect a recent infection with rising IgG levels, or cross-reactivity with other antibodies |
Unlike IgM antibodies, which appear early in an infection, IgG antibodies develop a few days after IgM and tend to remain in the bloodstream for many years. This makes the Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody test the preferred blood-based test for confirming past exposure to HEV.
Why is a Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG) Test Done?
A doctor may prescribe this test for several reasons, from investigating current symptoms to assessing past exposure.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms can prompt a doctor to order an HEV IgG test:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Dark urine or pale, clay-coloured stools
- Persistent fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Fever
- Joint pain
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody test can help identify or assess the following:
- Past or resolved hepatitis E infection
- Immunity status following suspected or confirmed HEV exposure
- Previous HEV exposure in individuals who have recently travelled to areas where hepatitis E is common and have developed symptoms of viral hepatitis
Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG) Test During Pregnancy
This test holds particular relevance for pregnant women. Hepatitis E infection during the second or third trimester carries serious risks, including acute liver failure and, in the third trimester specifically, a mortality rate as high as 20 to 25%. HEV in pregnancy is also linked to elevated rates of preterm labour and vertical transmission, meaning the virus can pass from mother to baby. While the IgG test identifies past exposure rather than a current infection, doctors may use it alongside IgM and HEV RNA tests to build a clearer picture of a pregnant patient's infection history and immunity.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Getting an HEV IgG test is straightforward, and very little preparation is needed beforehand.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, you do not need to fast before this test. You can eat and drink normally at any time of day before your blood draw. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Drink plenty of water before your appointment to make the blood draw easier.
- Inform your doctor or the phlebotomist about any medications or supplements you are taking.
- Wear loose clothing or a short-sleeved top for easy access to your arm.
- Let the phlebotomist know if you have ever felt faint during a blood test.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what you can expect during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin on your inner arm and identify a suitable vein.
- A fine needle is gently inserted into the vein to draw a small amount of blood. The process usually takes just a few minutes.
- The blood is collected into a special serum separator tube.
- The tube is spun in a centrifuge within two hours of collection to separate the serum.
- The serum sample is sent to the laboratory, where technicians use an immunoassay method (such as ELISA) to detect and measure IgG antibodies.
- Your results are prepared and delivered within 2 to 4 working days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- A very recent infection (less than two months old) may not be detected, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
- Samples that are heavily jaundiced, fatty, or contain broken red blood cells (haemolysed) may affect results.
- Borderline results can sometimes occur due to cross-reactivity with antibodies from other infections, such as cytunculus virus, Epstein-Barr virus, or parvovirus.
- Medications affecting immune function may reduce antibody levels in the blood.
Understanding Your Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG) Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed alongside your symptoms, medical history, and any other tests your doctor has ordered.
| Result | Interpretation | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| Negative (less than 0.15 U/mL) | No previous exposure to HEV detected | Discuss with your doctor if symptoms persist |
| Positive (0.15 U/mL or above) | Past or resolved HEV infection; likely immunity | Confirm with your doctor |
| Borderline | Recent infection possible; cross-reactivity possible | Repeat testing in 4 to 6 weeks recommended |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
In people with weakened immune systems, such as solid organ transplant recipients, acute HEV infection can occasionally progress to a chronic state. In these individuals, the antibody response may be reduced, which means a negative HEV IgG result does not fully rule out a current or recent infection. HEV RNA testing is typically preferred in such cases. Pregnancy does not directly alter IgG test results, though hormonal and immune changes during pregnancy can affect the overall course of an HEV infection.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general hygiene and dietary habits can help reduce the risk of hepatitis E exposure:
- Drink only purified or boiled water, particularly when travelling to regions where hepatitis E is prevalent.
- Avoid eating undercooked pork, deer meat, or shellfish.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling or eating food.
Lupin Diagnostics Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG) Test Price and Home Collection
The Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody test price starts at approximately ₹1,500, with home collection available across cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1,500 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,500 |
| Chennai | ₹1,500 |
| Bengaluru | ₹1,500 |
| Pune | ₹1,500 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the HEV IgG test near me across multiple cities in India, so you can book a visit from a certified phlebotomist at a time that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained technologists. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both tests detect antibodies against the hepatitis E virus, but they serve different purposes. IgM antibodies appear shortly after infection and indicate a recent or active infection, whereas IgG antibodies develop later and can remain in the blood for many years. The HEV IgG test is used to identify past exposure and immunity, while the HEV IgM test is used to detect a current or recent infection.
No. The HEV IgG test is not intended to diagnose an active hepatitis E infection. If a current or recent infection is suspected, doctors typically recommend an HEV IgM antibody test or an HEV RNA test. The HEV IgG test is primarily used to assess previous exposure to the virus.
No fasting is required before the Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody test. You may eat and drink normally before sample collection. If other tests are being performed at the same time, check with your doctor to see whether any special preparation is needed.
Hepathesis E is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, most commonly by consuming contaminated drinking water. Infection may also occur through contaminated food or undercooked meat from infected animals, particularly pigs.
A borderline HEV IgG result may occur when antibody levels are still rising after a recent infection or due to cross-reactivity with antibodies from another infection. Your doctor may recommend repeating the test after 4 to 6 weeks to help clarify the result.
Yes. The Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody test is available with home sample collection through Lupin Diagnostics in many cities across India. You can schedule a home visit by a trained phlebotomist through the Lupin Diagnostics booking platform.
In most healthy individuals, hepatitis E infection is self-limiting and resolves without becoming chronic. Chronic hepatitis E is uncommon and is mainly reported in immunocompromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients. For the general population, hepatitis E does not usually progress to chronic liver disease.
Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
