Diagnosis of Hepatitis A

Hepatitis or liver infection is suspected based on the signs and symptoms. Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and examine you and then recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis of hepatitis.

History and examination

Your doctor will take a detailed history of your signs and symptoms, including any possible contact with a person with hepatitis.

Blood tests

Tests may be done to confirm the cause of hepatitis and liver function.

• Blood test to determine how well your liver is functioning and the extent of damage is usually done if hepatitis is suspected.
• Tests to confirm the cause of hepatitis are done. These include tests to show if the person has been exposed recently to HAV and also tests to rule out infection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus.
• Tests to check blood electrolytes and other biochemical profile may be done. For example, if you have been vomiting frequently, the blood electrolytes may be out of balance.  

These are some of the tests that are done in a person with hepatitis. Your doctor may recommend other tests such as ultrasonography of the abdomen and liver biopsy if needed. Hepatitis is can be a serious and fatal disease. So if you have symptoms suggestive of liver disease consult your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and for further management.

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