Exams and Tests

Your medical history, current symptoms, or physical exam findings may suggest to your health care provider that you have cirrhosis.

• He or she may suspect cirrhosis if you have abused alcohol or IV drugs in the past or still do so.
• Known hepatitis, unexplained bleeding, jaundice, ascites (fluid building up in your abdomen), or any changes in the way you act are other findings that suggest cirrhosis.
• The condition may not be diagnosed until complications develop.

• Blood tests - To check whether the liver is functioning normally. Lab findings can be normal in cirrhosis, however.
• Ultrasound, CT scan, or radioisotope scan - To look for signs of cirrhosis within or on the surface of the liver
• Laparoscope - A very tiny camera inserted through a small slit in the abdomen to view the liver directly
• Liver biopsy - Removing tissue from the liver and studying it under a microscope to identify fibrosis and scarring. Biopsy is the only way diagnosis can be 100% certain.