A number of conditions can cause a false-positive ELISA assay for hepatitis A IgM antibodies.
Conditions associated with a false-positive IgM antibody test for hepatitis A include:
(1) Epstein Barr infection
(2) autoimmune hepatitis
(3) other autoimmune diseases
(4) paraneoplastic syndrome
(5) rheumatoid factor
The presence of a positive IgM antibody assay may lead to a misdiagnosis of acute hepatitis A, especially if the patient has abnormal liver function tests. If the IgM antibody test is positive, then a confirmatory test should be performed.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
