How to Determine If You Have Hepatitis from a Medical Checkup Report

When reviewing your medical checkup report, there are several key indicators that can help identify whether you may have hepatitis. By understanding these markers, you can better interpret your results and take appropriate action. Below are the primary tests and observations to pay attention to:

1. Liver Function Tests

One of the most important indicators is the liver function panel. This includes enzymes such as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase). Elevated levels of these enzymes often suggest liver inflammation or damage. In addition, bilirubin levels may be higher than normal, and alkaline phosphatase or gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) could also be elevated. Many lab reports use upward arrows to indicate high values and downward arrows for low ones. In chronic liver conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis, albumin levels may decrease while globulin levels increase. Abnormal liver function test results may point to hepatitis as a possible cause.

2. Hepatitis B Panel

The Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test is crucial. If all five markers are negative, it typically means no current or past infection. However, if the second item—HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody)—is positive, this indicates successful vaccination and immunity against Hepatitis B.

3. Hepatitis C Antibody Test

Some medical centers also include a Hepatitis C antibody test in their screening. A negative result usually rules out Hepatitis C infection. If the result is positive, further testing such as an HCV RNA test is necessary to confirm active infection.

4. Abdominal Ultrasound

Imaging tests like abdominal ultrasound can reveal structural changes in the liver. For instance, it can detect fatty liver disease, increased echogenicity, or signs of fibrosis. It also helps evaluate the bile duct system for gallstones and assess the spleen and portal vein for enlargement, which may be associated with chronic liver disease.

In some cases, an ultrasound may show signs of chronic liver damage. When this occurs, it's important to correlate the findings with blood test results, including viral markers for hepatitis and prior medical history, to determine whether hepatitis is present. Always consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and accurate diagnosis.