Hepatitis B (cont.)

Exams and Tests

Since many people with hepatitis B do not have symptoms, they do not know they have the disease.

• Hepatitis B is often discovered accidentally when you see your health care provider for another reason.
• Blood tests done for an annual check-up, insurance purposes, or before surgery may show abnormalities in the liver blood test results.

If your health care provider determines that you may be at risk for contracting hepatitis, you will have blood drawn.

• The laboratory will examine the blood to determine how well your liver is functioning, if this has not already been done.
• Your blood will be tested to determine whether you have been exposed to certain hepatitis viruses and, possibly, other viruses.
• If you have had a large amount of vomiting or have not been able to take in liquids, your blood electrolytes may also be checked to ensure that your blood chemistry is in balance.
• Other tests may be ordered to rule out other medical conditions.

X-rays and other diagnostic images are needed only in very unusual circumstances.

Once you are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, you will see your health care provider regularly.

• At each visit, your blood will be checked to see whether the virus is multiplying in your blood and how quickly.
• Your liver function tests also will be checked each time.
• These results help decide when it is time to start treatment.

Other tests will be done to determine whether you should undergo treatment or to decide on the best treatment.

• CT scan or ultrasound - These diagnostic imaging tests are used to detect the extent of liver damage.
• Liver biopsy - This involves removal of a tiny piece of the liver. It is usually done by inserting a long needle into the liver and withdrawing the tissue. The tissue is examined under a microscope to detect changes in the liver. A biopsy may be done to detect the extent of liver damage or to evaluate how well a treatment is working.

Next: Hepatitis B Treatment »

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