How Hepatitis is diagnosed

 Diagnosed - It is crucial to understand what is causing hepatitis in order to treat it correctly. Doctors will progress through a series of tests to accurately diagnose your condition.

History and physical exam
To diagnose all forms of hepatitis, your doctor will first take your history to determine any risk factors you may have.

During a physical examination, your doctor may press down gently on your abdomen to see if there’s pain or tenderness. Your doctor may also check for any swelling of the liver and any yellow discoloration in your eyes or skin.

Liver function tests
Liver function tests use blood samples to determine how efficiently your liver works.

Abnormal results of these tests may be the first indication that there is a problem, especially if you don’t show any signs on a physical exam of liver disease. High liver enzyme levels may indicate that your liver is stressed, damaged, or not functioning correctly.

Other blood tests
If your liver function tests are abnormal, your doctor will likely order other blood tests to detect the source of the problem.

These tests can determine Trusted Source if you have infectious hepatitis by checking for the presence of

viruses or antibodies your body produces to combat them.

Doctors may also use blood tests to check for any signs of autoimmune hepatitis.

Liver biopsy
When diagnosing hepatitis drugs available for hepititas, doctors will also assess your liver for potential damageTrusted Source. A liver biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue from your liver.

A medical professional may take this sample through your skin with a needle, meaning there is no need for surgery. They will typically use an ultrasound scan for guidance during this procedure.

This test allows your doctor to determine how infection or inflammation has affected your liver.

Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the organs within your abdomen. This test allows your doctor to take a close look at your liver and nearby organs. It can reveal:

•       fluid in your abdomen
•       liver damage or enlargement
•       liver tumors
•       abnormalities of your gallbladder

Sometimes the pancreas shows up on ultrasound images as well. This can be a useful test in determining the cause of your abnormal liver function.