Diseases and Conditions

Understanding Hepatitis A and B

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Hepatitis diagnosis

Hepatitis is diagnosed using three main blood tests. The blood tests check for genetic material, hepatitis virus antibodies or liver enzymes. In most cases, hepatitis is diagnosed using a blood test that tests for the presence of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. The enzymes are stored in liver cells in normal circumstances. When hepatitis A or B is present, the cells are secreted into the bloodstream signaling liver problems.