The Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)- IgM test specifically detects the level of HAV-specific IgM antibodies in the blood. The purpose of hepatitis A testing is to determine if a person has been infected by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). The Hepatitis A virus (HAV) primarily infects the liver and causes inflammation. It can cause acute liver disease. The virus spreads when a person ingests contaminated food or water or is in close contact with an infected person. As a result, the disease can be caused by unsafe water or food, inadequate sanitation, poor personal hygiene, oral-anal intercourse.