Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HDV IgM, Anti-HDV IgM, Hepatitis D Antibody IgM, Delta Agent IgM Antibody, Anti-HD IgM |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 1 to 2 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages, primarily individuals with confirmed hepatitis B infection (HBsAg-positive) |
| Price | Starting at ₹3,200 |
What is a Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV) Test?
The Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody test is a blood test that checks for IgM antibodies produced by the body in response to the hepatitis D virus (HDV). IgM antibodies are the first type of antibody the immune system makes during a new infection. This test helps doctors identify whether a person currently has or recently had a hepatitis D infection.
Also known as the HDV IgM test or Anti-HDV IgM test, it is typically ordered only for patients already confirmed to have a hepatitis B infection, since HDV cannot survive or replicate without the hepatitis B virus present. A venous blood sample (serum) is used for this test.
What Does a Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM) Test Measure?
The HDV IgM test detects one specific marker in the blood. Here is what it measures and why it matters:
| Parameter | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Anti-HDV IgM antibodies | IgM antibodies directed against the hepatitis D virus; their presence points to a recent, acute, or actively ongoing HDV infection |
A positive result means IgM antibodies against HDV are present in the blood. These antibodies typically appear 2 to 3 weeks after symptoms begin. In acute infection, they usually clear within 2 months. However, they can persist at high levels for years in patients with chronic active HDV disease, making this marker useful both for diagnosis and for tracking disease activity over time.
Why is a Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM) Test Done?
Doctors request this test when they suspect HDV infection or need to assess liver disease activity in a hepatitis B patient. The sections below outline the common reasons.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order an HDV IgM test near me or at a nearby centre:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right area
- Tea-coloured or dark urine
- Clay-coloured bowel movements
- Joint pain and low-grade fever
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody test assists in identifying or clarifying the following situations:
- Acute HDV coinfection, where a person acquires both hepatitis B and hepatitis D at the same time
- HDV superinfection, where someone with existing chronic hepatitis B becomes infected with HDV
- Fulminant acute hepatitis, a severe, rapid-onset form of liver inflammation
- Active chronic HDV liver disease in known hepatitis B carriers
- Increased risk of liver fibrosis (scarring) and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) linked to HDV
Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays a meaningful role in monitoring patients with ongoing HDV infection. Rising or persistently high IgM levels suggest continuing liver damage from HDV, while a fall in IgM levels over time can indicate that the infection is resolving, either on its own or in response to treatment. Doctors use this marker to track disease progression and assess a patient's response to therapy.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before this test. The steps below explain what the process involves.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody test. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. If your doctor has ordered other tests alongside this one, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Tell your doctor or phlebotomist about all medicines you are currently taking.
- Drink enough water beforehand; good hydration makes veins easier to find.
- Wear clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up easily.
- Let the phlebotomist know if you have ever fainted during a blood draw.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin at your inner elbow with an antiseptic solution.
- A tourniquet (a soft band) is wrapped around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- A small needle is inserted into the vein to draw a blood sample into a collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed over the site.
- The sample is processed promptly; serum is separated from the blood cells within 2 hours of collection.
- The sealed sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is tested using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Testing too early after infection, before IgM antibodies have developed
- Delayed or reduced antibody response in patients with a weakened immune system
- HIV co-infection, which can alter hepatitis serological results
- Improper storage or delay in separating the serum from the blood sample
- Absence of hepatitis B infection (the test should only be ordered in HBsAg-positive patients)
Understanding Your Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM) Test Results
Results for this test are reported as negative (non-reactive), equivocal (borderline), or positive (reactive). The table below outlines what each outcome generally means:
| Result | Typical Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Negative (Non-Reactive) | No IgM antibodies detected; no current acute HDV infection, or no prior exposure to HDV |
| Positive (Reactive) | IgM antibodies present; indicates recent, acute, or actively ongoing HDV infection; may also persist at high levels in chronic active infection |
| Equivocal (Borderline) | Antibody levels are at the boundary; repeat testing in 1 to 2 weeks is recommended to confirm status |
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
Patients with a weakened immune system (such as those on immunosuppressive therapy) may show false-negative results, as their body may not produce sufficient antibodies even during active infection. In patients with HIV co-infection, HDV serological results can be altered, meaning results may not accurately reflect true HDV status. Your doctor will consider these factors when reviewing your report.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness steps can help reduce the risk of HDV infection:
- Ensure you are vaccinated against hepatitis B. Since HDV cannot replicate without HBV, the hepatitis B vaccine also protects against hepatitis D.
- Avoid sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or any item that could carry traces of blood.
- Practise safe sex and take precautions to limit exposure to blood or body fluids.
Lupin Diagnostics Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM) Test Price and Home Collection
The Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at approximately ₹3,200, and home sample collection is available. The city-wise price estimates below can help you plan ahead.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹3,200 |
| Bengaluru | ₹3,200 |
| Chennai | ₹3,200 |
| Hyderabad | ₹3,200 |
| Kolkata | ₹3,200 |
| Pune | ₹3,200 |
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 HDV IgM test across cities, so you can have your blood drawn at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody test detects IgM antibodies against the hepatitis D virus (HDV) in the blood. It is used to identify recent or acute HDV infection, differentiate between types of HDV-HBV infection, and assess disease activity in patients with chronic hepatitis D.
This test is recommended for individuals who already have a confirmed hepatitis B infection, indicated by a positive HBsAg result. It is particularly relevant for people who inject drugs, have multiple sexual partners, or live in areas where hepatitis D infection is more common.
No. Hepatitis D virus is a defective RNA virus that requires the hepatitis B virus to replicate and survive. An active hepatitis D infection cannot occur without the presence of hepatitis B infection.
Coinfection occurs when a person acquires hepatitis B and hepatitis D at the same time and has a relatively low risk of progressing to chronic disease. Superinfection occurs when someone with existing chronic hepatitis B later becomes infected with hepatitis D. Superinfection carries a significantly higher risk of developing chronic hepatitis D.
IgM antibodies against hepatitis D usually appear 2 to 3 weeks after symptoms begin. In acute infections, they typically disappear within about 2 months. In HDV superinfection, they may remain detectable for up to 9 months, while in chronic active disease they can persist for much longer.
Not necessarily. A negative result is generally reassuring, but it may occur during the early stage of infection before antibodies have developed. People with weakened immune systems may also have false-negative results. Additional tests, such as HDV RNA testing, may be required if hepatitis D infection is still suspected.
Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
