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Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health past. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect hepatitis based on the symptoms. Testing can diagnose hepatitis. It can also find the type and extent of damage. Tests may include:

  • Blood tests to check:
    • For certain blood proteins that are markers for hepatitis
    • How the liver is working
    • If the hepatitis is short term or long-term
    • How much of the virus is in the liver (viral load)
  • Liver biopsy—A sample of liver tissue is taken and checked in a lab.
Liver Biopsy.

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References

  • Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-hepatitis-b-virus-hbv-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Acute hepatitis C infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-hepatitis-c-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-hepatitis-b-virus-hbv-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Chronic hepatitis C infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chronic-hepatitis-c-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Hepatitis C—treatment of genotype 1. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/hepatitis-c-treatment-of-genotype-1. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Hepatitis C—treatment of genotypes 2-6. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/hepatitis-c-treatment-of-genotypes-2-6. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatitis-d-virus-hdv-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hepatitis-e-virus-hev-infection. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Overview of acute viral hepatitis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/hepatitis/overview-of-acute-viral-hepatitis. Accessed May 2, 2022.
  • Overview of chronic hepatitis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/hepatitis/overview-of-chronic-hepatitis. Accessed May 2, 2022.

Contributors

  • David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-02-02

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.