Diagnosing Hepatitis D

The first step in diagnosing hepatitis D is taking the patient's medical history. The healthcare provider will ask a number of questions about the patient's medical history, including his or her symptoms, alcohol and/or drug use, and sexual history. Making a hepatitis D diagnosis also involves performing a physical exam. If the healthcare provider suspects hepatitis D, he or she will then order certain tests. These tests may include liver enzyme tests or tests that look for antibodies the body has made against the hepatitis D virus.
 

How Is Hepatitis D Diagnosed?

In order to make a hepatitis D diagnosis, the doctor will begin by asking a number of questions about your medical history, including questions about:
 
  • Symptoms
  • Current medical conditions, including hepatitis B
  • Current medications
  • Family history of medical conditions
  • Any recent travel
  • Alcohol and/or drug use
  • Sexual history.
     
The doctor will also perform a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms of hepatitis D.
 

Tests Used to Diagnose Hepatitis D

If the doctor suspects hepatitis D, he or she will order certain tests to help make the diagnosis. Liver enzyme tests, which look at certain levels of liver enzymes in the blood, are among these tests that may be used to diagnose hepatitis D. Other tests will look for antibodies the body has made against the hepatitis D virus.
 

Is It Hepatitis D -- Or Another Medical Condition?

There are a number of conditions that have the same symptoms as hepatitis D.
 The doctor will consider these conditions before diagnosing hepatitis D. Some of these other conditions include:
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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