Tests for Evaluating and Monitoring your Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can be a complicated liver infection to understand, so additional blood tests and diagnostic imaging studies may be ordered following a diagnosis. Other important considerations include risk factors such as a family history of hepatitis B or liver cancer, co-infection with hepatitis C or HIV, and lifestyle considerations such as alcohol use or metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease). Understanding the whole person gives your health care provider a better understanding of the care, treatment and monitoring that is needed.
Hepatitis B specific tests can better characterize the hepatitis B virus infection, while other blood tests and imaging help evaluate the health of the liver. Laboratory tests may also be recommended to regularly screen for liver cancer (liver cancer surveillance). Regular monitoring with needed tests over time provide your health care provider with the information necessary to determine best management of your hepatitis B infection. Be sure to ask the questions: what tests do I need and how often? Always keep copies of lab test results so you are better able to be part of the conversation.
The graph below includes a wide range of laboratory tests and imagine/ radiological exams from which your doctor may ask you to undergo, either for initial evaluation or during regular monitoring of your hepatitis B.
Disclaimer: These tests may vary based on your doctor’s recommendations, and availability in your country.