Hepatitis Diagnosis

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  • Antibody to HBsAg (Anti-HBs). A positive result indicates immunity to hepatitis B either from having been infected with the virus in the past or having had received the vaccine.
  • Hepatitis E surface antigen (HBeAg) indicates that someone with a chronic infection is more contagious.


Tests to Identify the Virus . The standard first test for diagnosing hepatitis C is known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which is used to test for hepatitis C antibodies. Antibodies can usually be detected by ELISA 4 - 10 weeks after infection.

Tests to Identify Genetic Types and Viral Load . Additional tests called hepatitis C virus RNA assays may be used to confirm the diagnosis. They use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the RNA (the genetic material) of the virus. Such tests should be used if ELISA results show positive HCV antibody and may be performed if there is some doubt about a diagnosis but the doctor still firmly believes the virus is present. HCV RNA can be detected through blood tests as early as 2 - 3 weeks after infection.



Researchers are working on developing a genetic test to identify patients with chronic hepatitis C who are most at risk of developing cirrhosis. Researchers hope that this experimental test may eventually help doctors decide which patients should receive early treatment with alpha-interferon and ribavirin.




  • Liver Enzymes (Aminotransferases). Enzymes known as aminotransferases, including aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT), are released when the liver is damaged. Measurements of these enzymes, particularly ALT, are the least expensive and most noninvasive tests for determining severity of the underlying liver disease and monitoring treatment effectiveness. Enzyme levels vary, however, and are not always an accurate indicator of disease activity. (For example, they are not useful in detecting progression to cirrhosis.)




Source: nytimes.com

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